01/27/2026
Over the last several years, we’ve made real progress in fully funding our police and fire departments. Unfortunately, the rising cost of everything, from healthcare to vehicles and maintenance, along with the expiration of federal grant funding threaten to unravel much of that progress. There will be an upcoming ballot issue to maintain existing services. I encourage voters to help keep our community safe and support our first responders by making their voices heard this May.
Please keep in mind that Ohio law prevents the safety levies that our police officers and firefighters depend on from generating ANY additional revenue when property values increase — even when costs and call volume go up — except for new construction. However, revenue from new construction has increased by less than 1% per year since the 2019 safety levy was passed. The 2024 safety levy was a straight renewal of that levy with no increase, as the police and fire budgets were still healthy enough to avoid one at that time.
The Olmsted Township trustees have approved a 4-mill safety levy to appear on the May 5 ballot.
