Residents will decide on three tax measures in November while the village hosts a full slate of fall events
Boston Heights released its fall newsletter with updates ranging from a busy events calendar to three tax questions on the November ballot. Village officials also shared plans for a new safety center, an ongoing honor roll project and reminders from the fire and police departments. Here is a full look at what residents need to know this season.
Three Tax Questions Head to November Ballot
Boston Heights voters will see three tax questions on their ballot on Tuesday, November 3. Mayor Ron Antal said the ballot language can look confusing since it lists three separate tax items. Only one of them actually requests new revenue.
Issue 39 asks residents to raise the village income tax rate from 2.00 percent to 2.25 percent. The added revenue would go toward the Safety Services Fund, supporting police, fire and EMS personnel, equipment, facilities and daily operations. A major piece of this plan involves financing a new Safety Center for the village. Residents who already pay a workplace income tax rate of 2.00 to 2.25 percent generally would not owe additional Boston Heights tax under the proposal.
Issue 40 renews an existing 2.75 mill property tax levy that funds road construction, resurfacing and bridge repair. If approved, it would continue through 2032 at an estimated cost of 61 dollars per year for every 100,000 dollars of market value.
Issue 41 renews an existing 0.75 mill property tax levy supporting fire and EMS operations, including paramedic services. Approval would extend the levy through 2030 at an estimated cost of 17 dollars per year per 100,000 dollars of market value.
Village officials note that Issues 40 and 41 are simply continuations of levies residents already pay. Voting will take place at Village Hall, 45 East Boston Mills Road, from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
A New Safety Center Is Part of the Plan
The village’s police department currently operates out of a building more than 100 years old that originally served as garages for Boston Heights’ first fire department. Officers have made good use of the space, but it was never designed to function as a modern police station.
The anticipated cost of the new Safety Center is approximately 10 million dollars. The funding plan includes 2 million dollars in grants and 4 million dollars from existing village cash reserves. The remaining approximately 5 million dollars would be financed, with income tax revenue from Issue 39 providing a dedicated payment source. Village leaders say this means outside funding and village money are being committed before asking taxpayers to cover the rest.
Council President Dave Maccarone hosted a public meeting in June to share drawings and answer questions about the project. He plans to display those drawings again at the Fall Festival for residents who missed the earlier meeting.
Fall Festival Kicks Off the Season
The Village of Boston Heights will hold its annual Fall Festival on Saturday, October 3, from noon to 4 p.m. at Matthews Thomas Park. This year’s event ties into the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and will include hayrides, a log sawing contest, baking contests, raffles and games for children. Local businesses and vendors will join with activities and giveaways. Children will also get the chance to climb aboard fire trucks, police cars and other village vehicles.
Trunk or Treat and Traditional Trick or Treat Both Return
Boston Heights will host its first annual Trunk or Treat at Matthews Thomas Park on Saturday, October 31, from 3 to 5 p.m. Participants must register with the village before October 30 to decorate a vehicle trunk and hand out wrapped candy. There is no fee and no age limit for those who want to participate.
Traditional neighborhood trick or treat will still happen the same evening from 6 to 8 p.m. Mayor Antal described the pairing as giving children two rounds of Halloween fun in one day.
Craft Show and Shred Day Round Out November
The Annual Fall Craft Show, sponsored by the Fairview Cemetery Association, will take place Saturday, November 7, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Boston Heights Fire Station. Vendors will offer handmade crafts, gifts, baked goods and snacks.
The village will also host a free Community Shred Day on Saturday, November 14, from 9 a.m. to noon at Village Hall. Residents may bring documents containing personal or confidential information for secure shredding.
Police Department Urges Caution as School Resumes
The Boston Heights Police Department is reminding drivers to use extra caution as students return to school. Drivers must stop for school buses whenever red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended. Officers also follow school buses throughout the village when available to monitor traffic around stops. Parents are encouraged to remind children to wait for the bus in a safe location and to look both ways before crossing the street.
Village Honors Military Service Through Ongoing Project
Councilmember Rich Lyon is continuing a project to build an honor roll recognizing residents and former residents who served or are currently serving in the military. More than 200 residents have been identified so far through military records, cemetery markers and resident submissions. Design plans for outdoor tribute boards are being finalized, and Lyon is asking residents to submit names before that work is complete. Submissions should include the name, branch of service, dates of service and conflict service if applicable, and can be emailed to Lyon directly.
Public Works and Fire Department Share Seasonal Reminders
Leaf collection begins October 19. Residents are asked to place leaves in the tree lawn area, parallel to the street, and to avoid piling them in streets, ditches or gutters. The Public Works Department also introduced a new 2026 F600 truck this year that can switch between salt spreading, brush chipping and dump duties.
The Valley Fire Department reminded residents that Ohio law restricts outdoor burning during March, April, May, October and November. Daytime burning is banned from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during those months, with burning permitted only between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Park Board and Cemetery Association Share Updates
The Park Advisory Board is adding a rain garden near the pavilion at Matthews Thomas Park this fall, funded through a partnership with the Tinker’s Creek Watershed Partners coordinator. The board has also stopped mowing an area south of the pond to create a wildlife habitat supporting birds, bees and butterflies.
The Fairview Cemetery Association, located next to Village Hall, continues to rely on volunteers and the Public Works Department to maintain its grounds. Residents can purchase raffle tickets from the association at the Fall Festival, with proceeds benefiting the cemetery.
Business Spotlight Features Longtime Local Company
This quarter’s business spotlight highlights US Wings, a company that has manufactured authentic leather flight jackets since 1986. The company describes its jackets as “crafted from supple, earthy leather” and built with the people who wear them in mind. US Wings is the only official licensee for Flying Tigers brand apparel and has supplied costumes for television shows and films, including Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. The company is located at 561 East Hines Hill Road in Boston Heights.
A Growing Village Looks Ahead
Mayor Antal closed his newsletter letter by pointing to the planned redevelopment of the former Norwood Inn property as a sign of the village’s progress. Work on the project is moving forward, and residents should begin seeing visible changes by early 2027. He said growth brings new investment and opportunity, but it also places greater demand on police, fire, EMS and other essential services.
FAQs
- What is the only new tax being proposed in Boston Heights this November?
Issue 39 is the only measure requesting new revenue, raising the income tax rate from 2.00 to 2.25 percent. - What would the proposed Safety Center cost?
The anticipated cost is approximately 10 million dollars, funded through grants, cash reserves and financing tied to Issue 39. - When is the Boston Heights Fall Festival?
The Fall Festival takes place Saturday, October 3, from noon to 4 p.m. at Matthews Thomas Park. - Does Trunk or Treat replace regular trick or treating?
No. Trunk or Treat is an additional event. Traditional neighborhood trick or treating still happens the same evening from 6 to 8 p.m. - How can residents submit a name for the military honor roll?
Submissions can be emailed to Councilmember Rich Lyon and should include the name, branch of service and dates of service.
