Community Information

City Government

Introduction

Louisville operates under the Council-Manager form of government. The voters approved this democratic structure in 1960 under the Home Rule Charter. It provides the city with more discretion in addressing issues of local concern and allows the city to undertake governmental activities not specifically denied by state or federal laws.

A professional city manager is hired by City Council and is responsible for the implementation of policies set by the council. The city manager supervises the operation of the city government, and hires department heads who are responsible for their specific areas of expertise.

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City Council

The City Council consists of five members, elected on a nonpartisan basis. Council positions are at-large and members represent the interests of the city as a whole. The members, including the Mayor-Councilman, serve staggered four year terms. Citizen input is essential for council to set general policy directions for the city. Citizen advisory committees are appointed by council for increasing citizen input.

Under the Home Charter Rule, council hires a professional city manager who is responsible for the implementation of policies set by council and supervises the operation of city government. The arrangement provides a democratic structure that facilitates the attainment of responsive and efficient city management.

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City Manager's Office

Under the Home Rule Charter approved by voters in 1960, the City of Louisville operates in a Council-Manager form of government. The city manager is chosen by Louisville City Council based solely on executive and administrative qualifications with special reference to actual experience. As the chief executive officer and head of the administrative branch of the city government, the city manager is responsible to the council for the proper administration of all the affairs of Louisville. For more information send email or call the City Manager's Office at (330) 875-3321.

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Finance Department

The fiscal affairs of the city, including all departments, commissions, boards, officers and employees are administered by the Finance Department. The director of this department serves as financial adviser to the City Manager and prepares the annual budget and additional fiscal duties as required. Accounting, collection and custody of all public funds and control over disbursements all fall under the responsibility of this department. Direct any Finance Department questions to (330) 875-3434 or email us.

The Income Tax Department enforces the city's codified tax ordinance. This department controls tax receipt for the taxpayers, keeping accurate records and enforcing payment of all taxes.

The Louisville City Income Tax is levied at a rate of two percent. All salaries, wages, commissions and other compensations earned by residents and nonresidents, sixteen years of age or older, for work done or services performed or rendered in Louisville, are subject to these tax requirements. Direct any questions regarding the income to the Income Tax Office at (330)875-3434.

Information regarding the Rollback and Homestead Exemption, Real Estate Tax, Real Estate Assessments, Inheritance Tax and Personal Property Tax should be directed to the Stark County Auditor at (330) 438-0357.

The property tax rate is established each year by the City Council based on the city's fiscal needs and the appraised value of all taxable property within the city. Citizens are invited ot comment on the proposed budget each year prior to the public meetings. For more information, contact the City Clerk at (330) 875-3321.

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Planning and Zoning

The Planning and Development Department is under the direction of the Planning Director, who also staffs the Louisville's City Planning Commission and Board of Zoning and Appeals. As a whole, the department has the administrative responsibility for the city's zoning and building department, property maintenance and engineering department.

Zoning and Building Department

Louisville requires permits for the construction of many structures, including:

  • New houses or garage constructions, additions or alterations
  • Storage buildings or tool sheds
  • Patios, patio covers and decks
  • Air conditioning and heating systems
  • Building demolition
  • Digging in city right-of-ways
  • Electrical work
  • Fences
  • Swimming pools
  • Satellite dishes
  • Parking lots
  • Siding on building
  • Sewer and water taps
  • Sign installation
Check with the Zoning and Building Department at (330)875-3321 before beginning your project.

The Zoning Department also responds to complaints for nuisance activities, like trash dumping and illegal cars.

The City Building Department is in charge of inspections for one, two and three family residential structure construction. Nonresidential structure building permits are issued through the Stark County Building Department, which can be contacted at (330)438-0740.

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Mayor's Court

The Mayor's Court adjudicates the violation of city ordinances, such as traffic tickets. Court sessions are held the first and third Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Louisville Constitution Center, 1022 West Main Street.

Non-contested tickets may be paid prior to the appointed court date at the Police Department, 24 hours a day. Parking tickets may be paid at the City Municipal Building during normal business hours.

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