Message from Mayor Kapszukiewicz
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We all want to go back to “normal,” but right now we need to do the right thing. We need to wear our masks to protect ourselves and our loved ones. So again, thank you to everyone who is helping to fight COVID-19.
Facial coverings are now required in Ohio under Gov. Mike DeWine’s order. I see many people following the guidelines, and I applaud them. I know some people have chosen to balk at the mask order. I implore those people to reconsider. There is only one reason this order exists: to save lives.
Toledo and many other communities had already implemented mask mandates. I am encouraged more every day that we will defeat this virus and be able to return to normal in the near future.
Roads
Earlier this week, I made an
announcement
t
hat we would ask voters for a simple renewal of the temporary 3/4% income tax that has helped fund city operations for nearly 40 years and also to approve a separate, temporary four-year 1/4% income tax increase to be used, exclusively, to fund road repair.
This decision was made after weeks of conversation with members of City Council, leaders in the business community, and residents all throughout Toledo.
The 3/4% income tax was first passed in June 1982 and has never failed to earn the support of Toledo voters. It is the engine that operates city government, and all Toledoans understand that it must be renewed in November in order for the city to provide even the most basic of essential services. The 3/4% renewal generates $56.8 million to help the city provide police and fire protection, snow removal, clean water, park maintenance, and other basic services.
The second issue is a four-year, 1/4% income tax increase to be used exclusively for road repair. The passage of this issue would raise $18.9 million per year to fix the roads of Toledo, which as we all know, are badly in need of repair.
I listened to the citizens of Toledo, but more importantly, I
heard
them. That is why the approach I am requesting does each of the three things voters demanded: the levy requests are two totally separate issues; the size of the tax increase has been cut in half (from 1/2% to 1/4%); and every penny of the additional revenue will be spent fixing our roads.
Toledo has faced a year of unprecedented challenges, but the passage of these two issues in November will chart the course for a stronger and brighter future. I am asking City Council to place these two issues on the ballot so we can build on our momentum and invest in our city!
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Finally this week, I would like to thank U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler for traveling to Toledo to announce more than $12 million in grants and projects that will benefit Great Lakes cleanup efforts, including $9.7 million that will be spent on cleaning up Otter Creek. That was great, but I also told Mr. Wheeler more must be done to help prevent the toxic algal blooms in Lake Erie that are caused chiefly by agricultural runoff. I showed him a sample of the algae-choked water Toledoans have unfortunately been accustomed to seeing in the lake and the Maumee River. I hope Mr. Wheeler will come back with real solutions to this perennial environmental problem.
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Learn more about FREE Parks and Recreation programming and FREE daily fitness activities at
this link
.
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We’re excited to help the Toledo Human Relations Commission announce a community-wide Kindness Campaign.
HRC is partnering with local organizations in taking a kindness pledge focused on recommitting ourselves to our friends, neighbors, and loved ones.
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Each of us can do a simple act of kindness by smiling at a neighbor, donating to a local organization, or reaching out to someone you’ve lost touch with during quarantine.
Each week, we’ll share a kindness challenge that you and your family are encouraged to do, as well! Share your act of kindness with us by tagging us and using the hashtags
#419Together
and
#KindessCampaign.
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Be sure to include a photo of you or your family signing the Kindness Pledge! Download the pledge at
this link
.
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Looking for updated signage for your business or organization to remind customers of the statewide mask mandate? Find it
here
.
Download fliers from the city in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic at this link:
toledo.oh.gov/masks
.
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JobsOhio
PPE Safety Toolkits to assist small businesses
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Toledo was grateful for the opportunity to join with JobsOhio and their area partner, the Regional Growth Partnership, to distribute 500 Small Business Safety Toolkits.
Each Toolkit included 100 three-ply masks, 10 KN-95 masks, and a 24 oz bottle of hand sanitizer. When supplies ran out, City of Toledo employees moved quickly to deliver 5,000 additional masks for distribution. We are grateful to Joe Marck of IBC for graciously making the Erie Street Market building available for the event.
Sandy Spang, commissioner of business services, said: “This event was an opportunity to help businesses with the cost and availability of safety equipment, but also to express to small business owners the City of Toledo’s concern for their success in this challenging time.”
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Engage Toledo Drop Off Refuse and Recycling Event
Acceptable items include electronic waste, but no televisions, CRT monitors, or appliances; 10 tires, on or off the rim, but no commercial tires; documents; houseware goods; clothing; toys; bulky items, and refuse. Latex paint will be accepted for $1 per gallon.
Free disposable face masks will be provided to residents during this event, while supplies last. Each adult will be able to receive three free masks.
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By The Numbers
(year to date)
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58,036
potholes filled
2,383,467
pounds of debris cleared from streets with street sweepers
1,710,922
pounds of debris cleared from alleys
139
water main breaks repaired
813,861
feet of sanitary sewers cleaned
8,478
feet of storm sewers cleaned
1,494
building inspections completed
4,436
contractor licenses issued
580
trees trimmed
1,132
illegal signs removed
3,466
fire runs
28,739
EMS runs
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