Portsmouth City Council is expected to begin the legislative process for renewing the city’s street resurfacing levy, a funding source used to maintain roads and support paving projects throughout the city.
Council members will hold the first reading of an ordinance that would place the measure before voters during the November 3, 2026 General Election at Monday’s City Council meeting.
Under Portsmouth’s charter, ordinances generally require three readings before council can take a final vote.
🚧 WHAT THE LEVY FUNDS
According to the proposed legislation, the levy provides funding for:
- Street resurfacing projects
- Maintenance of street department equipment
- Capital improvements related to road maintenance
- Other expenses associated with maintaining city streets
City officials state that revenue generated under Ohio’s normal property tax limits is insufficient to meet the city’s street maintenance needs, making voter approval necessary to continue the levy.
🗳️ WHAT VOTERS WOULD SEE
The proposal is a renewal levy, meaning it would continue an existing tax rather than create a new one.
If approved by voters, the levy would continue at:
1.5 mills
or
$1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value
The levy would remain in effect for five years.
According to the ballot language, the tax would be collected during tax years 2028 through 2032.
📅 WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The ordinance will receive its first reading before council. If it advances through the required legislative process, council members would later vote on whether to place the levy on the November ballot.
If approved by council, Portsmouth voters would have the final say during the November 3 election.
🚦 WHY IT MATTERS
Street resurfacing levies are commonly used by Ohio cities to help pay for paving, repairs, and equipment needed to maintain local roads.
The proposed renewal would continue a funding source city officials say is necessary to support ongoing street maintenance and improvement projects.
Council has not yet voted on the ordinance. The measure is currently at the beginning of the legislative process and must complete additional readings before any final action can be taken.