Avon Lake Daily Brief: Tax Plan, Lakefront Vision, Weekend Events

City tax proposal campaign ramps up

Avon Lake leaders are stepping up outreach on a proposed 0.4% municipal income tax increase that will appear on the May 5, 2026 ballot. The change would raise the local income tax rate from 1.5% to 1.9% for five years, with most of the new revenue earmarked for road repairs and related debt. City materials emphasize that the increase would apply only to earned income, not to Social Security, pensions, or annuities, and that an existing 1.5-mill operating property tax would be dropped if the issue passes.

Residents are being encouraged to use an online calculator to see how the shift from property tax to income tax could affect their household budget before early voting begins this spring.

Lakefront power plant site closer to public park

Work continues behind the scenes to turn the former coal-fired power plant site on Lake Road into a new lakefront park and redevelopment anchor. City council has approved a real estate purchase agreement with the current site owner, a key step that would eventually give the city control of roughly two dozen acres along the shoreline.

Officials describe the project as a once-in-a-generation chance to open more of the Lake Erie waterfront to public access, add green space, and spur new investment nearby. Environmental cleanup and demolition work at the site remain ongoing as planning for future park features and potential mixed-use development moves forward.

Busy weekend of shows, programs, and meetings

Today’s local calendar is packed, with family programs at the public library and live theater in the evening. Music and movement sessions for young children are scheduled this morning at the library, while Mighty Goliath Productions continues its run of The Addams Family musical at Avon Lake High School tonight, with a final matinee planned for Sunday.

Looking ahead to the start of the week, residents can mark down Monday’s city council meeting at City Hall and a Ward 3 community conversation with Councilwoman Amy Gentry on Tuesday evening at the library. Library and school district calendars also feature a steady stream of winter programs and student activities through mid-February.

Citizen of the Year nominations open

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Citizen of the Year and Project of the Year awards, recognizing volunteers and community efforts that make an impact in Avon Lake. Forms are available at city buildings and the library, and submissions will be accepted into March before a spring recognition event.

Sources

• https://www.avonlake.org/mayors-office/income-tax-issue
• https://www.avonlake.org/press-releases
• https://www.avonlake.org/economic-development/power-plant-updates
• https://www.avonlake.org/events
• https://patch.com/ohio/avon-lake-oh/calendar
• https://alpl.librarymarket.com/