CHARDON, Ohio — The Geauga County Board of County Commissioners has voted to return about $1.7 million to taxpayers by suspending collection of a voter-approved children services levy for the 2026 tax collection year, citing a much higher-than-expected cash balance.

The action, approved at the board’s Dec. 16 meeting, amends a prior resolution and halts collection of the 0.5-mill children services levy for one year. County officials said the move will reduce property tax bills while allowing the county to continue funding services through its general fund.

Commissioners said updated financial data showed the county’s unencumbered carryover balance for fiscal year 2026 is now estimated at about $15 million, more than double earlier projections of roughly $6.7 million.

“When we saw the numbers, it was clear,” Commissioner Ralph Spidalieri said in a statement. “We didn’t need this money from taxpayers. JFS will still be fully funded, but we’ll cover it through the General Fund.”

Commissioner Carolyn Brakey said the decision reflects economic pressures residents are facing.

“People are feeling the pinch every time they buy groceries or fill up their gas tank,” Brakey said. “If the county doesn’t need the money, it shouldn’t sit in a government savings account. It should stay with the people who earned it.”

County officials said staff coordinated with the Geauga County Auditor’s Office and Prosecutor’s Office to review revised figures and ensure the change complied with Ohio law. The Geauga County Budget Commission voted Dec. 15 to suspend collection of the levy, and the Ohio Department of Taxation has acknowledged receipt of the revised documentation and is processing approvals needed to finalize the change.

Commissioner Jim Dvorak credited county offices and staff for moving quickly to implement the tax relief.

“We cut taxes, protected services, and still kept the county on solid financial ground,” Dvorak said.