ATHENS COUNTY, Ohio — Tax levies generally did well on Tuesday … with one big exception.
Voters in Alexander Local School District once again shot down an attempt to renew the district’s 1% income tax. With over 53% voting no, the issue failed this time by 187 votes.
In the November 2023 general election, around the same percentage of voters also voted against renewal. Voters initially passed the levy in 2019, after two failed attempts the year before.
The levy appeared on the ballot with incorrect language due to an error by the BOE; it is a tax on earned income only — not earned income and estates, as the ballots incorrectly stated.
WOUB reported in February that the district would have to cut staff and employ fees if the levy did not pass.
Blake Regan, president of the Alexander Local School District Board of Education, previously told the Independent that the district would place the initiative on the November ballot again if it failed this March. However, that will be the district’s final chance to pass the renewal this year.
District voters living in Meigs County also shot down the levy, with 62.63% against renewal. The Independent has requested results for Vinton County but did not receive them in time for publication.
The only other issue to fail on Tuesday was the renewal of a 4.2-mill levy for Warren Local Schools. All 10 Athens County voters who reside in the Warren Local Schools District and voted on Tuesday rejected the levy. It also failed in Washington County, with 60.68% of voters voting no.
County voters were largely in favor of an additional levy for senior citizens facilities and services, as 59% moved to adopt it.
The 0.25 mills, 5-year levy is estimated to collect $319,000 annually. The levy helps fund Meals on Wheels, which, through Hocking Athens Perry Community Action, serves 110 seniors in Athens County. The additional income from the levy will allow the program to serve 64 more residents who’ve been on a waiting list, said HAPCAP Public Relations Coordinator Valerie Addis.
All five township issues passed, according to unofficial, preliminary results from the Athens County Board of Elections.
Issue 1: Carthage Township renewal levy for fire protection
Roughly 57% voters in Carthage Township voted to renew a 5-year fire protection levy, passing by 35 votes. The 1.5 mills-levy is estimated to generate around $43,000 annually, with collection beginning this year and first due in 2025.
Issue 2: Lodi Township replacement levy for permanent improvements
In a tight decision, nearly 51% of Lodi Township voters favored adopting a replacement levy for permanent improvements. The measure passed by only seven votes.
The 1-mill replacement (for an expiring levy) is estimated to generate $34,000 annually, for 5 years. Collection will begin this year and will be first due in 2025.
Issue 3: Lodi Township replacement levy for road maintenance
Lodi Township voters were more in favor of a replacement levy for road maintenance, with 54.57% voting yes. The levy passed by 38 votes.
The 2-mills levy for road maintenance, including dust control, also lasts for 5 years. The county auditor estimates the tax will generate $68,000 per year. The levy will commence this year and is first due in 2025.
Issue 4: Rome Township additional levy for fire protection
Rome Township voters were largely in support of an additional levy for fire protection, which passed with 60.4% of votes — a margin of 42.
At 2 mills for 5 years, beginning this year and first due in 2025, the additional fire protection levy is estimated to bring in $52,000 annually.
Issue 5: Rome Township replacement levy for cemetery maintenance
Voters in Rome Township voted to replace an expiring levy for cemetery maintenance. At 1.1 mills, lasting five years beginning this year and first due next year, the levy is estimated to generate $29,000 annually. It passed by 59.61%, or 39 votes.
Next election
The last day to register to vote in the November 2024 presidential general election is Oct. 7. Learn more about voting and potential polling location changes at the board of elections website.
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