MANSFIELD — A levy renewal on the Nov. 4 ballot aims to keep Richland Public Health’s services affordable and accessible for county residents.

Voters in Richland County will see a 0.9-mill property tax renewal for Richland Public Health on the ballot.

The levy, if approved, will generate $2,077,881 each year and will remain in effect for a 10-year period. Health officials say this would keep the cost for property owners at $32 per each $100,000 of the county auditor’s appraised value.

The renewal supports a wide range of public health services across the county. Those services include environmental health programs, nursing, health education and the county’s vaccine clinic.

Health Commissioner Julie Chaya said the levy helps keep public health service fees affordable.

She added that maintaining affordable services benefits more than just residents — it also makes Richland County a more appealing location for businesses and new developments.

In July, Commissioners Cliff Mears and Darrell Banks both approved the second resolution to renew the levy — necessary to place the issue on the ballot in November, Commissioner Tony Vero was absent.

In a previous article, Chaya said federal and state funding opportunities are becoming few and far between.

She added even if Richland Public Health receives little or no federal funding the local levy ensures her the ability to pursue additional revenue sources, knowing that she can keep services running.

If the renewal were to fail, the Richland County Board of Health would reassess the services currently offered. Officials would either adjust costs or reduce services to cover operational expenses.

For more information about the Nov. 4 election, visit the Richland County Board of Elections website.

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