Public-safety millage OK'd in Monclova Twp.

Berkey, Middleton Twp. reject levies

11/9/2011

Monclova Township voters narrowly approved Tuesday a 1.5-mill, five-year levy that will raise more than $660,000 a year for police protection.

The township intends to use that money to continue contracting with the Lucas County Sheriff's Office for 24-hour coverage every day.

The sheriff's office two years ago informed eight townships that they no longer will receive free patrols, and Monclova Township has been paying for around-the-clock protection — which costs $578,116 this year and will go up to $650,381 next year — out of its general fund.

Township Trustee Brian Craig thanked police commission members who studied the issue and made recommendations, as well as volunteers who helped pass the levy.

"I'm delighted," Mr. Craig said after ballots from the township's last precinct were counted.

"The voters have spoken, and that's great."

The additional levy will cost the owner of a $100,000 house about $46 a year.

Elsewhere, Berkey voters rejected a 3-mill, five-year levy for operating expenses.

And voters in Wood County's Middleton Township voted down an additional 2-mill, three-year tax levy for road construction and repair.

For Swanton Public Library, however, voters approved a 1-mill, five-year operating levy that will bring in $205,120 a year.

The library's levy will cost the owner of a $100,000 house $30.63 a year.

In Harding Township, voters approved a 1.75-mill, five-year levy to contract for fire and rescue services. The tax will cost the owner of a $100,000 house about $54 a year.

Voters in Ottawa County's Allen Township approved a five-year replacement tax levy for maintaining and operating cemeteries.

Annual tax bills will be cut to $14.40 from $16.60 because the levy was decreased to 0.47 mill.

Rossford voters approved two changes to the city's charter. They approved ending October primary elections for mayor and City Council positions, as well as eliminating the treasurer office and setting up the finance director's office to take over those duties.

Voters in Sylvania agreed to change the city's charter to delete the requirement that the treasurer be a resident of the city.

Among other suburban issues:

Oregon voters renewed the 2.25 percent income tax for five years.

Oregon voters also approved a 0.5-mill, five-year tax renewal for fire expenses and a 0.5-mill, five-year tax renewal for recreational expenses.

Jerusalem Township voters approved a 0.75-mill, five-year tax renewal for recreation expenses.

Springfield Township voters approved a 1.8-mill, five-year tax renewal for fire expenses.

Perrysburg voters approved a 1-mill, two-year replacement tax levy on the ballot for garbage collection and disposal.

Clay Township voters approved a 0.5-mill, five-year renewal for maintaining and operating a cemetery.

Voters approved a 0.5-mill, five-year tax renewal for the Olander Park System.

Contact Julie M. McKinnon at: jmckinnon@theblade.com, or 419-724-6087.