Hello Summit County! Another year has begun and another year of unpredictable weather, crop prices, input costs and overall living expenses.
Earlier this year, we had a seminar at Dayton’s Nursery with the Summit County Fiscal Office staff to explain the rise in property taxes. They were so willing to answer many questions to help us understand. The Department of Taxation has ordered an increase up to as much as 43% due to the rising property values. With increased expenses like this and lower crop prices this season, it makes it that much harder for farmers.
Your Summit County Farm Bureau board members have been working with the Summit County Executive’s Office and the Summit County Engineer’s Office for the past six years to come to an equitable Surface Water Management District, which will begin assessing fees in 2025. Property owners of Ag properties in any Summit County township, as well as Reminderville and Lakemore may be receiving a form in the mail from the Summit County Executive’s Office that you need to sign to attest to owning multiple agricultural parcels. If you receive this form, it is important that you sign and return it by the date instructed. For more information about this district, view our article at www.summitcountyfarmbureau.org.
Recently, Matt Hartong and I had the privilege of presenting the Robert H. Eckart Memorial Scholarship and the Dean Hartong Memorial Scholarship to two worthy recipients, Madeline Binder and Logan Luther. We would like to ask our membership to encourage the youth to apply for our scholarships. Information can be found on our website www.summitcountyfarmbureau.org by clicking on the scholarship button, just remember the deadline is March 1st each year.
Summer is upon us and that means fair time is just around the corner. Don’t forget to stop by the Summit County Farm Bureau Antiques Museum Tuesday, July 23rd through Sunday, July 28th between 10:00AM and 10:00PM to vote for your favorite farm dog of the year and farm cat of the year, pickup any information that you might find helpful and visit with your local Farm Bureau representative!
Thank you for allowing me to represent you!
Tim Luther
Summit County Farm Bureau President
5th Generation Farmer in Richfield, Ohio