MOUNT VERNON — Knox County’s fire levies had mixed results after the voters spoke in the Nov. 5 General Election.
Central Ohio Joint Fire District’s replacement levy started strong, with 60.59% of the votes registering yes and 39.41% against.
That margin dwindled as the results came in, and the levy went down to defeat 51.94% against and 48.06% in favor.
COJFD Chief Mark McCann said he and COJFD board members were shocked the 5-year, 6.5-mill levy failed.
“I think you look at it for what it is,” he said. “We split almost 50-50. I appreciate everyone who came out and voted.
“Right now, everything stays the status quo. The board will meet on the 14th.”
McCann said the department needs the levy to operate. The board’s task is to evaluate and ask, “What would make you vote yes?”
“We’ll go through the community again and see what we missed. Based on those numbers, we had a narrow miss.”
COJFD covers Hilliar and Milford townships, and the Village of Centerburg. The levy failed in both townships.
“That is a rural part of the district, but the run volume is still there,” McCann said.
Voters passed Eastern Knox County Joint Fire District’s four-year, 5-mill renewal levy 67.35% to 32.65%.
College Township’s replacement levy won by an even wider margin, 83.83% to 16.1%.
The County Line Joint Fire District’s replacement fire levy failed 58% to 42%. CLJFD covers Morgan Township, Washington Township in Licking County, and the Village of Utica.
Voter turnout in Knox County was 72.75%. All results are unofficial until certified. The Knox County Board of Elections must certify the results by Nov. 20.
