South Cuyahoga News

Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne has unveiled a $1.6 billion biennial budget aimed at improving residents' quality of life, with a focus on public safety, public health, education, and affordable housing. The proposal includes additional officers, social workers, and infrastructure investments, along with a tax levy renewal to support essential services in the community.

The proposed budget, which exceeds $1.6 billion annually, emphasizes key departmental staffing increases and various initiatives to address community needs. These initiatives include public safety, public health, early childhood education, staff retention, capital improvements, and affordable housing. The budget also includes a proposed tax levy renewal for Health and Human Services to ensure ongoing support for the county's residents.

Cuyahoga County Executive Ronayne stated, "This budget represents our dedication to creating a more equitable and prosperous Cuyahoga County."

The budget allocates more than $360 million to bolster the Sheriff's Department, with an augmentation of 40 additional corrections officers. Additionally, the budget includes the allocation of 26 new officers to the Juvenile Detention Center, aiming to rehabilitate and provide support to the children in its custody. This will effectively restore staffing to pre-pandemic levels. The budget also encompasses provisions for public defenders to represent these juvenile cases.

To support the vision of a "Healthy Cuyahoga County," the budget proposes the addition of 40 social workers to the Division of Children and Family Services, 40 caseworkers in the Division of Job and Family Services, and increased funding for foster and kinship care services. The budget also recommends the renewal of the 4.8-mill tax levy for Health and Human Services, which is backed by ten council members.

In response to housing challenges in the region, the budget supports the newly established Department of Housing and Community Development. This department is committed to implementing innovative solutions and strategies that enhance housing accessibility, contributing to a more equitable Cuyahoga County.

Infrastructure is also a priority in the budget, with an annual allocation of $10 million for capital improvements in county facilities. This marks a $3.2 million increase from previous budgets. Additionally, the budget introduces funding for an IT capital plan to address cybersecurity and infrastructure concerns for the first time.

Recognizing the invaluable contribution of its 6,000 employees, Cuyahoga County's balanced budget includes a 2% cost of living adjustment to foster staff retention and acknowledge their dedication.

Early childhood education is a primary focus in Executive Ronayne's agenda, with a proposed $2.1 million increase for Universal Pre-Kindergarten. This increase will provide high-quality pre-K educational opportunities for 3-to-5-year-olds countywide.

Ongoing budget discussions are slated to continue through early November, with an opportunity for public testimony scheduled for Monday, November 13 at 1 pm in council chambers. This will allow the community to voice their opinions and concerns regarding the proposed budget enhancements.