Avon Lake Paramedic Levy Passes

After August defeat, levy passes by healthy margin.

With 100 percent of precincts reporting, the Avon Lake 2-mill, three-year paramedic levy earned voters support on its second attempt after losing by a narrow margin Aug. 7. The levy passed, 7286 to 5052 votes. Avon Lake Fire Chief Glen Eisenhardt, who expressed his disappointment after the last election, said he was grateful for voters’ support. "I am very pleased our residents had confidence in their city government and fire department," Eisenhardt said. "I can assure our residents that we will continue to improve and provide fire and ems protection in the most effective and efficient means possible." Avon Lake Mayor Greg Zilka also thanked voters and promised continued fiscal responsibility. "I’m very pleased, I want to thanks the …

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AvonLaker1234

6:57 am on Friday, November 9, 2012

All the old folks voted for this Levy and not the schools...guess they want immediate response when they've ”fallen and can't get up...”   more ›

Vote'Yes' on Paramedic Levy: Letter

Writer says impact is immediate, long-standing and life-saving.

With every election season comes a bombardment of information regarding candidates and issues. Most choices are portrayed in stark terms with drastic consequences to follow if a candidate or issue is not supported. However, a real contrast is present with Avon Lake Issue 10 or “the paramedic levy.” At stake is whether emergency medical services are available to resuscitate the heart attack victim, stop the bleeding of the injured motorist, or provide life-saving transportation for the sick or injured child. Issue 10 is about assuring emergency medical services are there for us. Without Issue 10, we are taking a gamble on the lives and well-being of our families. Without Issue 10 we are taking the risk that if and when emergency medical …

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George Z

6:32 pm on Friday, October 5, 2012

Issue10Support - I agree, it's a small amount. The point here is, from the mayor's article, if it doesn't pass, the city could cut some other area's. Some (most) are item's I am good with doing without. Issue 10 is not what I am worried about. It is: Paramed (10): + .75 increase 70 / 100k Schools (32): + 9.04 increase 265 / 100k 911 (50): + .50 increase 47 / 100k Mental Health (49): renewal / …   more ›

Mayor: 'Storm Clouds are Gathering'

Failure of levy could add to financial crisis, mayor says city has been financially prudent.

Edited 11:24 a.m. In light of comments made, the bolded area has been added to the article. Avon Lake Mayor Greg Zilka said that city leaders have been prudent with  finances, noting numerous cuts and savings the city has incorporated, but noted that should Issue 10, the paramedic levy, fail, services could be inadequate, and the city could face a growing financial crisis.  “This year and every year we have looked for ways to run the city in the most efficient way possible,” Zilka said in public comments at the Oct. 1 Council Meeting.  He noted that the fire department and city leaders have opted to advertise for bids to restore current ladder truck instead of purchasing a new $1.4 million truck. “Restoration will cost much less,” …

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Truth_Seeker

12:49 pm on Monday, October 29, 2012

rgnocp38, You are confusing me with someone else as I have never before posted on Patch. My judgement that the 2-mill paramedic levy is seriously inflated was formed solely of my own accord, in consideration of the facts, well in advance of getting Mike Hellyar's robocall. I commend him, he saw something very wrong and put his money where his mouth is in an attempt to correct it. I am not out to …   more ›

Avon-Avon Lake General Election Guide

Cities will see 5 issues on August ballot, including fire/paramedic/police levies and charter amendments. November presidential election could pull big turnout.

As we look ahead to the November General election, Avon-Avon Lake Patch is devoted to bring you the information you need about every race in town. Here's a compilation on the candidates and issues we'll be covering as Election Day nears. Bookmark this page for updates. As we look ahead to November’s elections, Avon-Avon Lake Patch is devoted to bring you the information you need about every race in town. Bookmark this page for updates. Voting Info Races LOCAL/COUNTY: STATE: BALLOT ISSUES Avon Avon Lake Issue 10: Avon Lake- Replacement of 1.25 mills and increase of .75 mills to be used to support ambulance, EMS services or both. SCHOOL LEVIES LORAIN COUNTY NATIONAL RACES President Barack Obama: The president’s national campaign has been …

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JByrd

10:51 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

Not sure the polls are correct, but I agree. I've checked out Obama's Plan and says nothing about reforms to entitlements. Nearly everyone I know couldn't believe France recently LOWERED their retirement age since clearly a step in the wrong direction. There is still a debt crisis going on. Greece, Spain, Italy...soon France, Japan....California, Ill, etc. There's no way around the develeraging. …   more ›

Failed Levy Could Mean No More Crossing Guards, Summer Concerts

Zilka says passage of levy is critical to avoid financial crisis.

Stressing the need to pass the Paramedic Levy in the November General Election, Avon Lake Mayor Greg Zilka outlined a list of potential cuts residents could see if the levy failed in November, including the elimination of crossing guards, Safety Town and several recreation programs. Zilka said in his State of the City address on Sept. 13 that despite significant cuts, the city will be thrown into a financial crisis if the levy fails.  “We looked at a scenario where the 2.0-mill levy goes down, and it is not good,” Zilka said in his speech. City leaders are reviewing programs that could be axed if the levy fails.  "Eliminating crossing guards will save $51,000," Zilka said. “What price do we put on child safety?” Zilka said in his address…

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Paramedic Levy: 'Safety Issue,' Says Mayor

After recent levy failure, mayor says safety too important.

This is the first in a two-part series concerning Avon Lake Mayor Greg Zilka's State of the City address. Check back to find out City Hall proposals on what will be cut if the paramedic levy fails.  Avon Lake voters might not have to vote for a paramedic levy in the future.  Mayor Greg Zilka, in his State of the City address on Sept. 13, said he will be recommending to City Council that all funds for the paramedic/fire department come out of the General Fund, and the city not have to rely on a Paramedic Levy for partial financing the Avon Lake Fire Department, which requires all firefighters are also paramedics.  Zilka stressed in his speech that it was still critical to pass the levy in November to avoid putting the city in a crises mode…

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Avon Lake Fire Levy Defeated by 13 Votes

Recount may be required.

With 100 percent of precincts reporting, the Avon Lake paramedic levy lost by a very narrow margin Aug. 7, by a vote of 1,494 against (50.22 percent) and 1,481 (49.78 percent) supporting the levy. Results are not yet certified by the Board of Elections, and a recount may be mandated after final certified election results are in Aug. 23, which includes provisional ballots and absentee ballots postmarked by Monday, Aug. 13. Avon Lake Fire Chief Glen Eisenhardt said his department will work on getting the message out. "We are very disappointed of course," Eisenhardt said. "We will go back and look at our message and make sure our residents understand the facts. We need to do a better job at getting our message out and that was  difficult in a…

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Dan Bucci

9:03 am on Thursday, August 9, 2012

George Z, If you are willing, I'd like to talk to you about your recent business move. I am working on a number of economic development initiatives on Council, we've passed a major one already, and would like your input. My email address is dbucci@avonlake.org Thanks. Dan   more ›

Election 2012: Issue 3, Paramedic Levy; Issue 4, Runoff Charter Change Explained

Two of Avon Lake's 4 Issues are explained here.

Approval of Issue 3, a paramedic levy, will result in an increase to taxpayers but will also result in stability to the Avon Lake Fire Department personnel. Avon Lake voters will see an increased three-year, 2-mill paramedic levy on the Aug. 7 ballot. The city’s current 1.25-mill levy expires this year. Council’s Finance Committee previously reviewed the revenue that would be generated by a 1.75-mill levy and determined that combined with lower property values, that option would not generate sufficient income to maintain current levels. The 1.75-mill option would result in a $200,000 shortfall—and almost certain cutting of personnel in the fire department. They opted for the 2-mill levy after reviewing numbers from the county stating how …

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Avon, Avon Lake Voters Have Until July 9 To Register for August Election

Both cities have special elections on the ballot

Increased Paramedic Levy Approved for August Vote

If passed, taxes will increase $22 per $100,000 home valuation

Avon Lake voters will see an increased three-year, 2-mill paramedic levy on the Aug. 7 ballot. Avon Lake City Council unanimously approved an ordinance that will bring the increased levy forward for voter approval at a special election in August. The city’s current 1.25-mill levy expires this year. Council’s Finance Committee previously reviewed the revenue that would be generated by a 1.75-mill levy and determined that combined with lower property values, that option would not generate sufficient income to maintain current levels. The 1.75-mill option would result in a $200,000 shortfall—and almost certain cutting of personnel in the fire department. They opted for the 2-mill levy after reviewing numbers from the county stating how much …

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