New police levy to appear on Nov. 3 ballot

by Melissa Martin

Township residents will have their say on a new 2-mill levy to benefit the Hinckley Police Department at the polls Nov. 3.

The issue will be on the ballot along with a variety of state and federal candidates, judges and a state constitutional amendment requiring Ohio voters to present government-issued identification whenever they vote.

The proposed five-year police levy – the first the township has attempted to pass since the continuous levy voters approved in 2001 – seeks additional revenue for the department to pay for day-to-day operational costs in light of the ongoing budget deficit it has been operating under for the past two years. Those expenses can include but are not limited to salaries and benefits, vehicles and other supplies and operating expenses.

Instead of opting for a permanent levy that would raise local taxes indefinitely, trustees elected to pursue a five-year renewable levy. Should it pass, the township will have to return to the ballot every five years to extend the tax. This allows voters to decide whether the department is meeting the community’s expectations as far as the additional funding is concerned, said Police Chief Michael Schroll.

The levy stands to generate approximately $1.3 million in additional revenue for the department on an annual basis and would cost homeowners about $70 per $100,000 in property valuation.

Collections would begin in January if the levy passes.