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Madison Twp. to place police levy on May ballot
The Madison Township trustees have approved placing a 1.56 mill police levy before voters in May.
The levy would generate enough income to ensure three police officers are patrolling the township on each shift, staff the detective bureau with two fulltime positions, and return vehicles to a regular replacement rotation.
The additional annual cost for every $100,000 of property valuation is approximately $47. The levy would generate $1 million for the Madison Township Police Department.
"It would be enough money to put us back on course with the police department," said Jim Hummel, chairman of the Safe Neighborhoods levy campaign, at the trustees' Jan. 20 meeting. "At this point, we're at a make or break with the police department. This is all about putting officers on the street."
Trustee Susan Brobst said the township decided to ask voters for 1.56 mill in lieu of a smaller amount due to the uncertainty of state funding.
"It will allow us to continue if we lose or have further reductions in (personal property) tax revenue," stated Brobst. "That way we won't have to return to the voters in two years. It is my intent in putting the levy on the ballot that we want to bring back three officers on the street at all times, replace two vehicles, and have a second detective. If taxpayers pass the levy, the Madison Township Police Department will continue to exist at that standard. If voters choose that's what they want, that's what we go with."
Brobst said, in speaking on her own behalf, regardless of the results of a proposed study of operations township-wide, the department should remain its own entity if the levy is approved.
"I agree," responded Trustee Victor Paini," but I would still like to conduct the study. Having spent a lot of times knocking on doors, especially in Blacklick Estates, it (additional police coverage) is needed. I think 1.56 mills is appropriate; it's under $50 a year. But it's always good to look at operational effectiveness."
Retired police sergeant Gary McDonald said, if the levy does not pass, it is not because the public does not support it, but a direct result of the poor economy.
The trustees also discussed changing the focus of a proposed study from consolidation/contracting of services to a full-scope research of township operations. Brobst also asked the police and fire departments to assemble their own proposals and bring recommendations to the February meeting.
Fire Department union representative Rashid Taylor said 40-plus union members understand the need for fiscal/financial responsibility and pointed out the state of Ohio is at the forefront of consolidating service, but felt contracting with an entity like Columbus would not provide the same services affording locally.
Madison Township Administrator Larry Flowers said similar work, studying efficiency and effectiveness, is going on all over the state.
"Everybody is looking at internal processes to study," acknowledged Taylor. "We have no problem in conducting a study. We have no problem in saving the township money. But we are very concerned. We don't think we should focus on consolidating/contracting."
Brobst responded by saying the township does not view the hotly-debated topic as purely a consolidation/contract study.
"We want to look at the whole scope of the study," said Brobst. "This study is really to look at everything."
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