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Cuyahoga County is projecting more than $60 million in unpaid property taxes this year after home values and tax bills jumped. That’s the highest delinquency rate the budget office has ever seen.
And it means that with homeowners struggling to pay their bills, local governments and school districts are not receiving the revenue they depend on.
For example, in Rocky River, school property tax collections are “coming in a bit lower than projected, mainly because fewer people are catching up on overdue payments.”
To collect what’s owed, Cuyahoga County is seeking to sell about $33 million worth of tax lien certificates for 3,000 parcels to a company that would then work with property owners to settle their delinquent taxes.
The revenue would be split: 61% to school districts, 22% to the county, 12% to municipalities and 5% to libraries.
The total for the county would amount to about $500,000 for the general fund and more than $1.5 million for the health and human services levy — a fraction of county’s $1.7 billion budget.
— Laura
Overnight Scores and Weather
Guardians vs. Detroit Tigers: Tigers use Guards Ball to beat Guardians, 2-1, in Game 1 of wild card series
Northeast Ohio weather forecast: Brief cooldown
Top Stories
Tax liens: Cuyahoga County plans to sell up to $40 million in delinquent property tax liens to a private firm. Kaitlin Durbin reports on the process and protections for homeowners.
Tax issue: North Ridgeville’s tax levy ballot lacks mention of a promised tax credit, causing residents to question if the city can back out, Hannah Drown reports.
Today in Ohio: We’re headed for another federal government shutdown, and who’s to blame? While the Republicans want to blame Democrats, we’re talking about what’s really happening on Today in Ohio, cleveland.com’s daily half-hour news podcast.
Statehouse and Politics
Federal shutdown: The federal government shut down overnight as Congress failed to reach a budget deal. Sabrina Eaton reports that this could result in hundreds of thousands of federal employees being furloughed.
Tax commission: Gov. Mike DeWine’s Property Tax Reform Working Group didn’t settle on a single fix. Instead, it approved a sweeping list of 20 recommendations, ranging from technical fixes to new relief programs, Anna Staver reports.
Child care: A new poll reveals overwhelming support among Ohio voters for child care initiatives and tax incentives. Laura Hancock reports that nearly 80% of voters consider child care access a major problem, with 83% supporting business incentives to help employees find quality care.
Minimum wage: Ohio’s minimum wage will increase to $11 per hour for non-tipped employees and $5.50 for tipped workers in January. Mary Frances McGowan reports that this 2.8% adjustment is part of an annual inflation-based increase mandated by a 2006 constitutional amendment.
Redistricting: Ohio’s congressional redistricting process has reached a standstill, with Republicans seemingly intent on waiting out the process to draw maps without Democratic support. Jeremy Pelzer reports on the potential for Republicans to expand their congressional seat control from 10 to 12 or 13.
Ed cuts: Ohio congressional Democrats are fighting to restore $28 million in education grants terminated by the Department of Education. Sabrina Eaton reports that the GEAR UP grants, serving over 16,000 students in Cleveland and Akron, were cut over diversity and inclusion concerns.
Ticket quotas: Ohio has banned police ticket quotas, ending the practice of evaluating officers based on citations. Today in Ohio podcast hosts say the law aims to rebuild community trust and shift focus from revenue generation to public safety.
Northeast Ohio News
Heights firing: Recalled Mayor Kahlil Seren announced Tuesday that he fired Law Director Bill Hanna on what is Seren’s final day in office. City Council President Tony Cuda, who is scheduled to be sworn in this morning as acting mayor, said Tuesday that he was looking into the situation, Cory Shaffer reports.
East CLE: State Auditor Keith Faber formally requested a financial receiver for East Cleveland, highlighting the city’s prolonged fiscal emergency. Mary Frances McGowan reports that this move is permitted under a new state law to address chronic financial mismanagement.
Downloaded files: A City Hall employee’s downloads of thousands of public records sparked a bitter clash between Mayor Justin Bibb and Council President Blaine Griffin. So, what was in those files? Sean McDonnell reports on their contents.
Bus shortage: Mentor Schools canceled classes Tuesday because of a shortage of bus drivers. Molly Walsh reports on the district’s staffing issues.
Sewer expansion: Lorain County approved an additional $643,000 for sewer expansion after FirstEnergy reversed a decision, reports Hannah Drown.
RoadPrintz: A Cleveland startup, RoadPrintz, has developed a robotic system for street painting that can replace manual stencil work, Rich Exner reports.
Sandhill cranes: The population of sandhill cranes in Ohio is increasing, with a recent survey finding 428 cranes across 31 counties. Peter Krouse reports about their brighter future.
Akron cleanup: Akron is organizing cleanup events across its nine wards as part of its Bicentennial initiative, reports Megan Becka.
Business and Health
COVID data: The Ohio Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that the state’s Department of Health was justified in refusing to provide data on COVID-19 deaths and vaccinations to a critic of Gov. Mike DeWine’s coronavirus policies, Jeremy Pelzer reports.
Sherwin-Williams: Sherwin-Williams has started relocating employees to its new Morikis Global Technology Center in Brecksville, marking the first phase of a move that will reshape the company’s footprint in Northeast Ohio, Kaylee Remington reports.
Trader Joe’s: Trader Joe’s is set to open its fourth Northeast Ohio store in University Heights in fall 2026. Paris Wolfe reports the location will be part of a mixed-use development at John Carroll University.
Crime and Courts
Officer sentenced: A former East Cleveland police officer, who authorities say beat defenseless suspects while yelling “stop resisting,” will spend a year in prison. Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Sherrie Miday sentenced Kyle Wood on charges that include attempting to obstruct justice, telecommunications fraud, interfering with civil rights, assault and dereliction of duty, David Gambino reports.
Fugitive arrested: Federal marshals on Monday arrested a 49-year-old man wanted on several charges of sexual assault against children. Olivia Mitchell reports the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force apprehended Rafael Castellanos-Felipe at an apartment in the 17500 block of Whitney Road in Strongsville.
Bomb threat: The Cleveland Institute of Art was evacuated and classes canceled after a bomb threat. Euclid Avenue was closed for several blocks, reports Lucas Daprile.
Stolen guns: Two Cleveland men were arrested in Westlake after police found stolen guns and property during a search, reports Olivia Mitchell.
Arts and Entertainment
Supercross: Supercross returns to Cleveland after a 30-year absence, reports Marc Bona. The Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship event at Huntington Bank Field on April 18 is expected to draw 45,000 fans and generate $18 million in economic benefits.
Edmund Fitzgerald: John U. Bacon’s new book “The Gales of November” explores the untold stories of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald’s tragic sinking 50 years ago, Peter Chakerian reports.
Ask Yadi: Yadi Rodriguez offers guidance to parents divided over how to handle an adult child’s messy departure from their guest room, suggesting a compassionate approach to addressing the situation.
Oktoberfest: Kent Oktoberfest returns Saturday, featuring German food, polka music, and stein-holding competitions. Megan Becka reports that the free event runs from noon to 8 p.m. in downtown Kent.
Guardians specials: The Guardians have unveiled two new food items for their wild card series against the Detroit Tigers. Marc Bona writes about a crab cake burger and a pimento cheese hot dog available at Progressive Field.
Corn Daze: Corn Daze, an inaugural ALS fundraiser, features seven West Side restaurants offering dishes Sunday at the Roxy at Mahall’s in Lakewood, reports Alex Darus.
Cat Expo: The CFA International Cat Show & Expo at Cleveland’s I-X Center on Oct. 11-12 will feature over 15,000 cat enthusiasts, 40 breeds, and 100 adoptable cats, reports Paris Wolfe.
Chagrin films: Joey Morona recommends five must-see documentaries at the 16th annual Chagrin Documentary Film Festival, running Oct. 7-12 with 75 films from 32 countries.
AIR: The French electronic duo AIR is bringing their legendary album “Moon Safari” to life in a rare concert at MGM Northfield Park on Monday, reports Peter Chakerian.
You’re all caught up
Don’t forget, you can always find the latest Cleveland news by visiting cleveland.com. If you value the hard work of Cleveland journalists, consider becoming a cleveland.com subscriber.
— Curated by content director Laura Johnston with contributions by Cliff Pinckard.
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