Work Smarter, Provide Better Services:
Government Cost & Performance
What the Two Levies on the Nov. 2026 Ballot in Cuyahoga County Will Cost West Shore Homeowners
Average West Shore homeowner with a $350,000 home will pay about $582 more per year if both levies pass.
Cuyahoga County Council has approved putting two separate property tax levies on the Nov 2026 ballot. The requests are from the Health and Human Service and the Board of Developmental Disabilities. Voters have the option of approving or voting against either of the levies.
Trutko’s Position:
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I do not support the HHS levy because (1) it is an excessive (53%) increase, (2) there is no clear plan on how to spend the money, (3) it rewards slack budget & operational oversight, and (4) it is premature and may not be necessary.
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I support the DD levy because (1) it is the first increase in 20 years, (2) the state increase on caregiver pay is a clear driver of the need for more money, (3) the agency has a definable mission and target clientele of 15,000 persons. I would have preferred the agency to have published 2025 performance statistics prior to the funding request.
For more information, read the PDF.
Cuyahoga County Property Tax Burden is Among Highest in Ohio
Cuyahoga Effective Rate At 2.085%, Highest of Major Ohio Counties
Recent Appraisal impacted Seniors, Increased Challenges & Burdened County Manpower
The average effective property tax rate (Property Taxes/ Housing Value) in Cuyahoga is approximately 2.085%, which is the highest among several major counties in the state. This rate is significantly above the national average, contributing to a substantial tax burden for residents. The effective rate may vary by community and school district. The high rate is a significant negative factor affecting Cuyahoga County's economic development appeal.
Median House Value ($183,200)
X Effective Rate (2.085%) = Median Tax Burden ($3,819)
The recent appraisal, combined with Cuyahoga's high effective rates, led to significant increases in the amount of taxes to be paid each year. The increase led to many challenges and delinquencies as seniors and other on fixed incomes struggled to pay the increases.
For more information, read the PDF.
Understanding Property Tax Burdens in the West Shore Communities
A Non-technical Review Provides A Basis for Evaluating Reform Proposals
Property taxes are a major political issue in 2026. The report is a summary of how property taxes are calculated with specific local examples. It reviews property taxes across five West Shore communities in Cuyahoga County: Bay Village, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Rocky River, and Westlake.
How taxes are calculated: Bills depend on property value, local tax rates, and HB 920 credits. Assessed value equals 35% of market value, with millage applied to that figure and further adjustments from HB 920, rollbacks, and credits. HB 920 dampens increases from rising valuations but doesn't freeze bills entirely. A $350,000 home has an assessed value of about $122,500; a 3.0-mill levy would generate roughly $367.50 before adjustments.
Where the money goes: Schools take the largest share at 48–58%, followed by the county at 18–26% and municipalities at 15–19%.
Local rates: Effective rates run about 2.38% in Bay Village, Fairview Park, and North Olmsted, 1.93% in Rocky River, and 1.71% in Westlake. Tax burdens equal roughly 5.6–7.2% of median household income.
Reform outlook: Proposals are split between direct resident relief and broader state-level structural change. Consensus centers on easing burdens for seniors and fixed-income residents, addressing payment scheduling and delinquencies, and softening reappraisal spikes.
For more information, read the PDF.
Ohio's "Historic" Property Tax Relief Skipped the West Shore
Legislature Addressed Some Problems, But Solutions Had Minimal Effect on West Shore Taxpayers
In December 2025, Ohio enacted a five-bill property tax package that took effect in March 2026. Sponsors called it "$3 billion in historic property tax relief."
Why the West Shore Didn't Benefit. Unfortunately, West Shore homeowners didn't see many benefits. The centerpiece bill, HB 186, caps revenue growth only for school districts sitting at Ohio's 20-mill floor. Just five districts in all of Cuyahoga County qualified for the new Inflation Cap Credit — and none of the five West Shore districts were eligible. Bay Village, Fairview Park, Rocky River, and Westlake got no relief from the provision that generated the headlines.
What Didn't Change. The 2024 reappraisal remains fully in place, after raising countywide residential values an average of 32% — including 25%+ in Bay Village, 25.9% in Fairview Park, and 25.4% in Rocky River. Long-term homeowners absorbed that increase and will keep paying on it. One in five West Shore residents is 65 or older (roughly 24% in Rocky River and Westlake), the group most exposed to a valuation-driven tax. And people are already falling behind: countywide past-due property tax balances ran $60.6 million above the prior year as of mid-2025.
Abolition Issues. A citizen initiative to eliminate property taxes is gathering signatures and may reach the ballot. The frustration is legitimate — but the math is unforgiving. Property taxes supply Cuyahoga County roughly $435 million, about 25% of total revenue, and fund 48–58% of West Shore school budgets. The Governor's Office of Budget and Management estimates full replacement would require a statewide income tax of 11–15% or a sales tax of 15–18%. The Tax Foundation finds suburban communities could see a net tax increase under either approach, because urban areas currently carry heavier property tax burdens. The likely result isn't a West Shore tax cut. It's a tax shift — from Cleveland onto Bay Village, Rocky River, and Westlake.
What we should be fighting for instead: A practical first step is targeted, income-based relief that reaches the seniors and long-term homeowners actually being squeezed — not blanket changes that pass us by or quietly raise our bills. The targeted relief should provide time to evaluate more extensive changes in the property tax system.
For more information, read the PDF.
Cuyahoga County 8% Sales Tax is Among Highest in Ohio
Rep. Kelly Cast Crucial Vote to Extend 40-Year Sales Tax Extension Passes Without Voter Approval
Recent Sales Tax Collection Are Over $400 Million & Represent 23% of Total Operating Revenue
Cuyahoga County’s 8.0% sales tax is made up of Ohio’s statewide base rate: 5.75% and a local “piggyback” sales tax added by the county. The combined rate is one of the highest in Ohio, just below Franklin County’s 8.25% rate. It is substantially higher than nearby counties, which is a disincentive for shoppers and new homeowners.
In 2007, a 0.25% sales tax was approved for 20 years by the voters. Rather than let the sales tax expire in 2027, County Executive Ronayne proposed that council approve extending the existing 0.25% sales tax for 40 years. Instead of submitting the tax to a public vote, County Council narrowly approved the extension with a 6-5 vote after defeating several amendments. County Council Representative Kelly provided the deciding vote for a 40-year extension of a sales tax passed without voter approval.
For more information, read the PDF.
Work Smarter: Continued Deficits Will Lead to Tax Increases & Service Cuts
Work Smarter to Trim Government: Audit Spending, Measure & Reward Results
Cuyahoga County's consistent All Funds deficits are indicators of poor financial health. Current budget trends and fiscal decisions highlight ongoing challenges that need to be addressed. The combination of budget cuts, reliance on reserves, and decreasing tax revenues paints a disturbing picture of the county's fiscal health. Addressing these challenges soon will be crucial for restoring financial stability and effectively serving the community.
Work Smarter, Not Bigger: Ronayne's 510 Employee Surge Added an Estimated $42 Million to County Spending & Increased the Deficit
Recently, Cleveland.com had a lengthy article asking whether employment growth of 510 employees in Cuyahoga County government under County Executive Ronayne was excessive. Based on an average cost of $63,500 per employee, the total cost of the additional employees was about $32 million. With additional 30% in benefits, the total cost was about $42 million.
Taxpayers deserve to know not only how much money is spent, but how the employees actually improved economic development, public safety, health and human services, and community well‑being.
Results-Driven Approach Is Needed to Improve County Government
County Executive & Council Members Focus on Process & Meetings, NOT Results & Cost
Jim Trutko: Business
Results-Driven Approach
I am a businessman and economic development professional with decades of private-sector experience. My career has focused on using data-driven analysis to drive high-stakes advocacy and business growth. I am running for Cuyahoga County Council (District 1) to apply this expertise toward several clear goals for county government: Work Smarter, No More Taxes, Provide Better Services, and Grow Jobs.
Professional Track Record
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Economic Development & Advocacy: Served as Research Director and Director of Business Development for the Greater Cleveland Growth Association. Key achievements include retaining the DCASR Cleveland (1982), leading machine-tool studies for Great Lakes Governors, and briefing Mayor George Voinovich on industrial revitalization.
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National Policy Impact: Co-authored a seminal SBA franchising study that streamlined federal lending processes and helped establish the National Franchise Registry.
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Private Sector Leadership: Managed large-scale market research and advertiser strategy for The Plain Dealer and provided pro-bono strategic support for local municipal initiatives.
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Strategic Consulting: Developed performance models for cybersecurity firms and conducted competitive analysis for the Midwest travel and convention industry to boost Cleveland’s market share.
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Thought Leadership: Author of numerous economic analyses for Crain’s Cleveland Business and Cleveland Magazine.
County Executive & Council: Government/ Non-Profit Process-Driven Approach
The County Executive and County Council members have little business experience. The result is business management practices and entrepreneurial insights are not represented in budgeting, operational management or economic development plans. The standard governing response to every problem is to create a new department, spend more and add bodies.
County Executive- Chris Ronayne – President of University Circle, Cleveland Chief of Staff, Chief Development Officer, & Planning Director.
Council Members – Background Summary
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Dale Miller-Career in elected office; health‑center program evaluation & psychology.
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Martin J. Sweeney- Cleveland City Council and Ohio House
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Mark Casselberry- IBEW; labor union experience
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Michael Gallagher- Court administration and city council service.
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Meredith M. Turner — Government liaison roles
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Michael J. Houser, Sr. - Public administration and union advocacy.
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Patrick Kelly- Law enforcement; municipal council.
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Dr. Robert E. Schleper, Jr. - Education administration and teaching.
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Yvonne Conwell- Human services and family support.
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Pernel Jones, Jr.- Community Relations Director in family-owned funeral home.
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Sunny M. Simon- Private law practice
Reviewing 2024 Cuyahoga County Revenue and Spending
Work Smarter: Audit Spending, Measure Results, Increase Efficiency
Cuyahoga County's 2024 Continued Poor Fiscal Management.
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2024 Revenues were about $1.7 Million or about $1,400 per capita.
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2024 Expenditures were $1.9 Million or $3,500 per capita.
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2024 Deficit was $227 Million.
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County financial reporting is slow. As of July 2026, 2025 audits are not available to the public.
2024 Revenues
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Intergovernmental revenue was $481 million, about $400 per capita and $868 per household.
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Property taxes were $410 million, about $333 per capita and $740 per household.
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Sales taxes were $332 million, about $269 per capita and $568 per household.
2024 Expenditures
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Expenditures exceeded revenues, $184 per capita and $408 per household.
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Human Services spending was $544.3 million, about 28% of total expenditures. Per capita Human Services spending was $441and nearly $1,000 per household, 6th highest among Ohio counties.
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Total Human Services spending in Cuyahoga County ranked #1 among Ohio counties.
For more information, read the PDF.
Improve Infrastructure Quality: Roads and Bridges
The county's failure to deliver good results is exemplified by the roads and bridges public works projects. The results for the county show that the conditions of the area's roads and bridges are poorer than most areas in Ohio.
In 2024, TRIP evaluation road and bridge conditions in Ohio's major cities and compared conditions to neighboring states. Key findings on the Cleveland/ Akron area are as follows:
1. ROAD CONDITION: 35% of Cleveland/Akron's road were in poor condition, worst among Ohio's large cities and more than twice the state's average of 16%.
2. OPERATING COST IMPACT: Additional operating costs due to wear and tear on cars in Cleveland/ Akron was estimated at $727, compared to $524 statewide.
3. BRIDGE CONDITIONS: 137 (7%) of the Cleveland/ Akron's 1,852 bridges were in poor/structurally deficient condition , compared to 5% statewide. Hoever, many adjacent states had a higher percentage of bridges in poor condition.
In addition to the higher operating costa and delays caused by poor roads and bridges, poor infrastructure handicaps the area's abilty to attract jobs.
Cuyahoga County Government: Spending More & You're Getting Less
Restore Fiscal Discipline & Spend Less: Measure Results & Re-assess Departmental Manspower Needs
Cuyahoga County Government Employed 7,000 to 7,200 from 2020 to 2024
County government employment reflects key role in handling public safety.and delivering human services. Any effort to control spending must deal overall performance, complex manpower needs and contracts in many departments.
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Public safety, including the sheriff, the courts and the law department, totals 3,450 FTE's.
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Human services employment is 2,374 FTE's.
For more information, read the PDF.
Spend Less: Time to Re-Evaluate County Government Facilities
Cuyahoga County Government Facilities - 5.8 Million Square Feet & $1.1 Billion
Note: 2022 Data. More recent data may be available.
Justice & Public Safety in Cuyahoga County Is Key Public Priority
Maintaining public safety is a fundamental responsibility of local government. All justice & public safety activities represented about 57% of all public administration employment & 64% of wages. Police represented about 46% of justice and safety employment and wages.
County Government Expenditures on Security
The Cuyahoga County government spends at least $419 million (30%) of its $1.4 billion annual budget on safety-related programs. Most people are aware of the county sheriff and prosecutor, the county courts and jail, but the county also has crime-related spending for health & human services. About 3,400 (47%) of the county's 7,200 full-time employees are tied to safety-related activities.
Providing High-Quality Infrastructure:
What is the condition of Metro Cleveland's roadways?
Almost half of the highways in Metro Cleveland (Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina counties) were ranked as poor by a national highway research group, TRIP. The area was ranked 48th out of 70 metro areas.
Part of the problem is that different levels of government- local, county, state and federal- are responsible for maintenance and repair. It's often difficult to determine which government is responsible for the roadway's condition.
For more information, read the PDF.
