Leaf Thursday, June 19, 2025 Vol. 31 No. 25 • Chardon, Ohio www.geaugamapleleaf.com $1.25
Chardon Township
Ohio House Bill Could Cost School $4.3 Million Annually
Seniors Benefit from Ohman’s Pathways to Care
Chardon Superintendent Warns of Impact
Claridon Hits Brakes on Chardon FD’s Truck Funding
By Allison Wilson wilson@karlovecmedia.com
ALLISON WILSON/KMG
One year in, Chardon Township Trustee Jacob Cimperman, 27, reflects on accomplishing several goals in new role.
One Year In, Young Trustee Makes Impact By Allison Wilson wilson@karlovecmedia.com When he was appointed as Chardon Township trustee last year, then 26-year-old Jacob Cimperman stepped into a role he only thought he might hold after retiring. “To be in my 20s when I found out the board was choosing me, it’s a real blessing I never take for granted because here I am, maybe 30 years ahead of my plan of being able to make that positive impact,” he said. Though he has only served on See Cimperman • Page 4
Chardon Schools Superintendent Mike Hanlon and Treasurer Deb Armbruster appeared before Chardon City Council June 12 with grave concern about Ohio House Bill 335.
HB 335 has recently been introduced in the state and is billed as property tax relief, Hanlon explained. “It will have some serious implications for Chardon Schools, really all the school districts across the state, as well as other public entities like the city and other tax-
ing authorities that rely on property taxes as a component of funding they receive to support the services in their particular areas,” he said. The community has been supportive of Chardon Schools and in return, the district has attempted to be good stewards of the dollar See HB 335 • Page 5
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Park District’s Inclusive Experience Program Blossoms page 12
Middlefield Village
Jumbo Bluegill Released In Time for Fishing Derby By Ann Wishart ann@karlovecmedia.com Bob Giardina Lake, formerly Mineral Lake, will have some new, large occupants swimming around in time for the Middlefield Village Cops N Kids Fishing Derby June 21. The village utilities crew rehomed buckets full of huge bluegill at the lake on Sperry Lane, Joe Tucholski told Middlefield Village Council June 12. Mayor Ben Garlich urged Tucholski, utilities director and See Bluegill • Page 5
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Obituaries page 17
Sheriff’s Sales & Legal Notices pages 20-21
Classifieds page 23
SUBMITTED
Officials release dozens of well-fed bluegil into Bob Giardina Lake on Sperry Road just in time for the Cops N Kids Fishing Derby the morning of June 21.
Ohio Auditors Propose Property Tax Relief Plan By Allison Wilson wilson@karlovecmedia.com
ALLISON WILSON/KMG
Lake County Auditor Chris Galloway outlines a four-part plan on property tax relief county auditors across Ohio are pushing for at a press conference in Willoughby June 12.
As the demand for property tax relief sweeps Ohio, county auditors from across the state are pushing a plan they believe will satisfy the need. The proposal — presented in a June 12 press conference at Willoughby City Hall, one of many conferences the County Auditor’s Association of Ohio has spoken at — is four-pronged.
The Need for Relief
The real estate market has been “off the charts,” Montgomery
County Auditor Karl Keith said. Property values have grown in response to the real estate market, with the last five years being especially noteworthy, he said. “In 2023, the statewide average increase in property values was 30%. Here, in the northeast part of the state, it was 34%,” he explained. “It’s something that goes across the state, across Ohio, across the country. The whole nation is dealing with this.” While multiple pieces of legislation have recently been introduced regarding property tax relief, none have gone anywhere, Keith said. A joint committee on property
tax review and reform was established, but ultimately “did nothing,” leaving the CAAO to take matters into their own hands, he added. CAAO is pushing to expand the homestead exemption program, eliminate the non-business credit and expand owner-occupancy credit, limit the growth and revenue received by school districts due to appraisal changes and create a “menu” of targeted relief, he said.
Homestead Exemption
The homestead exemption allows senior citizens living in their See Property Tax • Page 6
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