Knox Public Health is seeking approval of a $1 million operating levy on the Nov. 8 ballot.
The proposed health levy is a replacement of the current $800,000 levy with a $200,000 increase. The current levy expires next year.
The increase equals an additional $7 a year for every $100,000 of property value. The replacement levy is for 5 years, with tax collection beginning in 2024, based on 2023 property values. The proposed levy will generate approximately $1.6 million a year.
“The levy is an important part of the agency’s funding, accounting for nearly 20% of the public health budget and helping to fund a variety of essential services,” said Health Commissioner Zach Green. “And while it’s important to understand what levy dollars go for, it’s also important to know what they can’t be used for.”
That includes the operation of the Community Health Center, which is part of Knox Public Health, and to purchase property.
While it's no secret that the agency is actively looking for a new home, Green said the requested increase in levy funding is strictly for programs and services and cannot be used to purchase or build a new facility.
While the agency charges fees for some services and receives state and local grants for some programs, Green said they only partially fund what it costs to provide these services and programs.
“The health levy covers the remaining costs, including radon awareness, tobacco cessation, newborn home visiting, safe sleep program for infants, child car seat distribution, many environmental health programs and senior health and wellness," he said.
To access the full press release, visit https://bit.ly/3DP9R6f.
