Lake County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lake County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2026 Tax Levies Certified
The board certified the tax rates and amounts set by the county Budget Commission to the auditor, the routine annual step that puts property tax levies into effect.
Homeless Prevention Services for TANF Families
A new $235,631 agreement with Project Hope will provide homeless prevention services to eligible TANF recipients starting October 1, 2026.
Child Support Awareness Month
Lake County's child support team collects about $31 million a year for local kids and their caretakers. August is Child Support Awareness Month, and one in five Ohio kids is touched by the program.
FY 2026 CDBG and HOME federal grant funding priorities
The county expects roughly $1.3 million in CDBG and $450,000 in HOME funds for fiscal 2026, funding housing, public improvements, and services for low- and moderate-income residents. Applications are due May 8, and applicants must consult with staff the week of April 6.
Proposed crime lab levy reduction in 2027 tax budget
The county's 2027 tax budget trims the property tax millage that funds the Crime Lab — not because of cuts, but because good management means less needs to be collected. Commissioners stressed services won't weaken and the millage is reviewed annually.
Auditor's report on House Bill 96 and property tax reform
County Auditor Chris Galloway explained how recent state law fixes the 20-mil floor windfall, indexes inside millage to inflation, and raises the owner-occupied credit to 15.38% over five years. He also announced his office will return about $750,000 to local taxing authorities in July.