Issue 1: A levy renewal of a property tax funding the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities (ACBDD). The levy, which was last renewed in 2017, represents around 18% of the total budget of the ACBDD. The current levy covers tax years 2018 to 2025 and will expire at the end of 2026. Issue 1 would renew this levy for five years, rather than the seven years covered by the last levy renewal.
The ACBDD has seen a significant increase in the number of people using its services over the past decade, Kevin Davis, superintendent of the ACBDD, said. In addition to the Beacon School, the ACBDD also offers services for adults with developmental disabilities and for the families of children with developmental disabilities.
Issue 2: A levy renewal of a quarter of a percent sales tax levy passed in 2020 to help fund the new 911 Emergency Communications Center and Emergency Management Agency in The Plains. If renewed, the revenue generated by the levy will cover the remainder of construction costs for the center not covered on the construction bond, along with upgrading all communications equipment that needs refreshing over the next five years and enhancing public safety communications.
Athens County is currently in the process of transitioning its volunteer fire departments to the Multi-Agency Radio Communications System (MARCS) to improve the interoperability of its first responders, with the money from the levy being used to complete this process. Given the rising costs of communications equipment, Athens County 911 would be unable to survive without the funding, Teresa Fouts-Imler, director of 911 Emergency Communications, explained.
Issue 3: A levy replacement and increase of a property tax funding Athens County Emergency Medical Services (ACEMS). If passed, the 1.5 mill levy would replace a 1 mill levy passed by voters in 2015. This increase is necessary due to the rising cost of vehicles, wages, fuel and medical supplies due to inflation, along with increased demand for EMS, Randy Crossen, assistant chief of ACEMS, explained.
The 1.5 mill levy will keep ACEMS from running a deficit until 2029. The deficit would only be $100,000 and ACEMS has sufficient carryover funds to remain solvent, Crossen said. If the existing levy were to remain in place without the increase, ACEMS would run out of money by 2028. In addition, ACEMS will likely have to start planning for a new facility in Nelsonville within the next few years as there is increased demand for EMS in Nelsonville, while facilities in Glouster and other locations may require upgrades.
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