ATHENS, Ohio — An overwhelming majority of Athens County voters on Tuesday decided to adopt an additional levy to support Athens County Emergency Medical Services.
The levy passed with 62% of votes cast for the tax levy, according to unofficial results from the Athens County Board of Elections Tuesday night. The proposed levy, for “operation and maintenance,” is estimated to generate $1.9 million a year. At a rate of 1.5 mills for each $1 of taxable value, that’s $53 per $100,000. The levy will be effective for five years, beginning next year.
The levy failed in Jacksonville, Troy West and East, and Waterloo, Carthage and Lodi townships.
ACEMS Chief Amber Pyle previously told the Independent that the additional tax is needed because ACEMS’ costs have increased. Its five stations respond to more than 10,000 calls per year.
Athens County Commissioner Charlie Adkins, who spoke in favor of the levy, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday night.
Corinne Colbert contributed to this reporting.
