MOUNT VERNON — Knox County’s November ballot covers plenty of local ground, from potholes to parks.
Knox County voters will decide the fate of several local tax levies and other ballot measures in the upcoming election. Issues include funding for roads, cemeteries, parks and fire and emergency medical services.
The ballot also includes a proposal to reduce the number of village council members in Brinkhaven and a question about Sunday alcohol sales at a Mount Vernon store.
Here is a breakdown of what each measure would do, how much it would cost taxpayers and what local officials say about the proposals.
Village of Brinkhaven
Brinkhaven voters will decide whether to reduce the number of Village Council members from six to five.
Mayor Christopher Wyant said the change would help the village maintain a full council, despite difficulty finding enough candidates for open seats.
“We are a very small village,” Wyant said. “And in general, it’s hard to have enough candidates for open seats.”
Wyant said a recent election left the village without a candidate for every open position after paperwork issues disqualified a candidate. He also said reducing the council to an odd number could prevent tied votes, which require the mayor to cast the deciding vote.
If approved, the measure would eliminate one seat on the village council.
Berlin Township
Berlin Township trustees are asking voters to renew a four-year, 2-mill levy for road maintenance.
The levy would fund general construction, reconstruction, resurfacing and repair of streets, roads and bridges.
If passed, the levy would collect around $95,026 annually, at a rate not exceeding 2 mills for each $1 of taxable value. This would amount to $70 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value.
Berlin Township trustees did not respond to a request for comment.
Liberty Township
Liberty Township trustees are asking voters to renew a five-year, 0.6-mill levy for cemetery operations.
The levy would fund the maintenance, upkeep and operations of cemeteries. This would include jobs such as mowing and care of monuments.
If passed, the levy would collect $27,519 annually, at a rate not exceeding 0.6 mill for $1 of taxable value. This would amount to $21 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value.
“Funding could be used for purchase of property for expansion at some point, if needed — though not planned right now,” Liberty Township Trustee Darren Lee said.
Monroe Township
Monroe Township trustees are asking voters to renew a 3-mill levy and approve a 2-mill increase for fire and emergency medical services.
The levy would fund fire equipment, rescue gear, ambulances, fire stations and personnel, including firefighters and emergency medical workers.
If passed, the levy would collect $398,243 annually, at a rate not exceeding 5 mills for each $1 of taxable value. This would amount to $175 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value.
Monroe Township trustees did not respond to a request for comment.
Pike Township
Pike Township trustees are asking voters to renew a 2-mill, five-year levy for road maintenance.
The levy would fun construction, reconstruction, general repairs and maintenance of roads.
If passed, the levy would collect $90,771 annually, at a rate not exceeding 2 mills for each $1 of taxable value. This would amount to $70 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value.
Pike Township trustees did not respond to a request for comment.
Pleasant Township
Pleasant Township trustees are asking voters to renew a 2-mill, five-year levy for road maintenance.
The levy would fund general construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, maintenance and repair of streets, roads and bridges.
If passed, the levy would collect $119,388 annually, at a rate not exceeding 2 mills for each $1 of taxable value. This would amount to $70 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value.
Pleasant Township trustees did not respond to a request for comment.
Bladensburg Fire District
Bladensburg Fire District is asking voters to approve an additional 6-mill fire and EMS levy.
The levy would fund fire and emergency medical services, including fire trucks, ambulances, rescue equipment and fire stations. It would also cover personnel costs for full-time, part-time and volunteer firefighters, emergency medical workers and communications staff.
Additional funding could support fire alarms, water supplies for firefighting and other related expenses.
If passed, the levy would collect $562,293 annually, at a rate not exceeding 6 mills for each $1 of taxable value. This would amount to $210 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value, for a continuing period of time.
BFD covers the 48.8 square mile area of both Clay and Jackson Townships.
Village of Danville
The Village of Danville is asking voters to renew a 1-mill, five-year levy for park maintenance.
If passed, the levy would collect $13,501 annually, at a rate not exceeding 1 mill for each $1 of taxable value. This would amount to $35 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value.
Mount Vernon liquor sales
Voters will decide whether to allow Sunday sales of wine and mixed beverages at the Mount Vernon Duchess, located at 814 Coshocton Ave.
A vote ‘yes’ would permit the store to sell liquor on Sundays for off-premises consumption.
