MOUNT VERNON — Three Knox County fire districts have renewal or replacement levies on the Nov. 5 ballot. Additionally, College Township looks to replace two expiring levies with one for fire/EMS services.
The Central Ohio Joint Fire District is asking voters in Centerburg and Hilliar and Milford townships to approve a replacement levy for fire and EMS operations.
The Knox County Auditor calculates the four-year, 5.925-mill replacement levy would generate $1,447,600.
The estimated cost is $207 per $100,000 in home value.
According to Fire Chief Mark McCann, the COJFD could attempt to pay off the fire station mortgage in four years, saving interest costs. Saving on interest costs could reduce millage by 2.925.
The levy becomes effective in 2025, with collections starting in 2026.
The County Line Joint Fire District also has a replacement levy on the ballot. The CLJFD covers Morgan Township, Washington Township in Licking County, and the Village of Utica.
The five-year, 6.5-mill levy replaces the current 4.05-mill levy. For each $100,000 assessed value, homeowners would pay $227.52 annually.
Levy proceeds will help replace aging equipment, cover station renovations to improve response time and housing, and aid recruitment and retainment costs.
Eastern Knox County Joint Fire District’s levy is a renewal. The four-year, 5-mill levy will generate $2,186,000 annually and cost $175 for each $100,000 in property valuation.
The money will go toward personnel, equipment, improved communication systems, and building maintenance.
Township fire levies
College Township has a replacement levy on the ballot. Two levies totaling 12.25 mills expire this year, and voters are asked to replace them with one 7.25-mill levy.
The levy would generate $309,000 annually. The taxpayer’s cost is $254 for each $100,000 in home value.
College Township contracts with the Mount Vernon Fire Department for fire and EMS services.
Students in Kenyon College’s Center for the Study of American Democracy compiled a brief overview of all the issues in the Nov. 5 General Election in Knox County. The PDF is attached below.
