As reported by Cleveland.com News, Cuyahoga County is returning a record $35 million to local schools and communities after completing its most recent sexennial property reappraisal under budget. The county had collected funds from taxing authorities to support staffing and equipment for the reappraisal process, which resulted in an average 32% increase in property values countywide. However, the process was completed more efficiently than anticipated, allowing the county to refund the unused balance.
The Bedford City School District will receive $466,395.14—one of the largest returns among local districts. The City of Bedford itself will receive $81,266.50, with additional surrounding municipalities also benefiting: Bedford Heights will receive $66,355.91, Walton Hills will receive $9,253.72, and Oakwood Village will see $7,745.89.
According to county officials, most of the returned funds will go to schools and local services. The county will also retain over $5 million of the surplus to support public health and human services, developmental disabilities programming, and other county functions.
The Cleveland Metropolitan School District received the second-largest return at over $3.7 million, while several other suburban school districts each received more than $1 million.
Funds are expected to be disbursed by the end of October, offering a timely boost to public budgets across the region. For Bedford and its neighboring communities, the refund represents a rare return on a necessary public expense—and a potential opportunity to reinvest in services, infrastructure, and education.
