Avon Lake Announces Finance Award on Day of Tax Vote | The Locally Times
The city announced the honor on the same day residents voted on a proposed 0.4% income tax increase projected to raise $6.6 million for infrastructure.
The City of Avon Lake has received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). A May 5, 2026, news release on the city’s website states the award recognizes Avon Lake’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. The GFOA, a professional association for government finance officials, describes its Certificate of Achievement as the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. According to the city’s announcement, the report was judged by an impartial panel to meet the program’s high standards, which include demonstrating a spirit of full disclosure to communicate its financial story clearly. Records do not specify if this is the first time Avon Lake has received this award or if it is a recurring honor. ## Award Announcement Coincides with Tax Vote The city’s announcement of the financial award coincided with a ballot initiative facing Avon Lake voters. On May 5, 2026, the same day the news was posted, the initiative proposed an additional 0.4% municipal income tax. If approved by voters, the city’s income tax rate would adjust from 1.5% to 1.9% for a five-year period. The city projects this 0.4% increase would generate approximately $6.6 million in new revenue. According to the city's program description, these funds are designated to address road and capital improvement needs. ## Missing Details on Tax Plan and Award Timing While the city has earmarked the projected $6.6 million for infrastructure, public documents do not provide a specific list of the road and capital improvement projects that would be funded. Furthermore, the city's May 5 news release does not specify the date on which the GFOA officially conferred the award, only the date the city announced it. Public records do not detail internal city discussions about the timing of the award announcement in relation to the ballot initiative. The outcome of the May 5, 2026, vote on the proposed income tax increase is not available in documents dated on the day of the election.