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Local News

Monday, November 02, 2009

Tax issues dominate local ballot
Diamond Mine Direct
By LOU WILIN

STAFF WRITER

Thirty-eight percent of Hancock County's 53,910 registered voters are expected to go to the polls for Tuesday's general election, elections board Director Jody O'Brien said.

Those who vote will decide the fate of a Hancock County sales tax, a Findlay income tax, and school construction proposals in the Findlay and Cory-Rawson school districts.

Races also will be decided for seats on Findlay City Council and some village councils, for Findlay school board and some county school boards.

Three statewide ballot issues also will be before voters.

The polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.



State issues

Voters in Hancock County and across Ohio will decide three state issues.

Issue 3 is whether to allow casinos in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo.

Issue 2 is whether to create a bipartisan board to set standards for the care of livestock.

Issue 1 is whether to provide bonuses to veterans of the Iraq, Afghanistan and Persian Gulf wars by issuing state bonds.



Local issues

A .50 percent, 10-year Hancock County sales tax would be for flood control and county government operations. The county commissioners imposed the tax last year; voters will decide whether it should continue.

Findlay voters will consider a .25 percent, three-year income tax to avoid layoffs, including 18 firefighters, and closing the fire station on Hancock County 236. Some money also would be used for flood control studies and projects.

Findlay City Schools is seeking approval of a 4.3-mill, 28-year bond issue to help build two middle schools and a career technical center. If the levy passes, the state will add $19 million to the $54 million which would be generated by the tax.

Cory-Rawson School District is seeking approval of a 5-mill, 29-year bond issue for construction of a pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade building. The $6.3 million to be generated by the levy would be matched by $6.8 million from the state. As part of the same ballot issue, voters will be asked to approve a half-mill levy for maintenance of the new building.

Fostoria School District is seeking a 2.76-mill, 28-year bond issue for construction of a new elementary school and renovations to the middle school. The levy would generate $8.4 million. If it passes the state will contribute $13.7 million. The ballot issue also includes a 0.04-mill, 28-year issue to generate $122,081 for unfunded items at the middle school such as improvements to the heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems. The ballot issue also includes a separate half-mill, 23-year levy for building maintenance. So the overall issue is for 3.3 mills, to be decided in one vote.

Riverdale School District voters are being asked to renew a 6.9-mill, five-year operating levy.

Five villages and townships in Hancock County will be asking voters to approve levy requests on Nov. 3. An ambulance district levy also is on the ballot.

In Arlington, a 2.5-mill, five-year replacement levy is being sought for Arlington Fire Department operations.

In Jenera, a 4-mill, five-year replacement levy is being sought for operations.

A 5-mill, five-year renewal levy for operations will be on the ballot in Mount Blanchard.

Allen Township voters will decide the fate of a 0.9-mill, five-year renewal levy for fire department equipment.

A 2-mill, five-year renewal levy is on the ballot in Union Township to finance firefighting equipment.

Appleseed Joint Ambulance District is seeking a 0.6-mill replacement levy for five years for emergency medical service equipment.



Findlay, village councils

In Findlay's 2nd Ward, Democrat Jeff Detmer is trying to unseat Republican Councilman Randy Van Dyne.

In Findlay's 3rd Ward, independent James Routson is challenging Republican incumbent K.C. Collette.

There is also competition for village council seats in McComb, Arcadia, Benton Ridge, Rawson, Mount Blanchard, Bluffton and North Baltimore.



Fostoria contests

In Fostoria, several City Council seats are being contested.

In the race for council president, Linda Anderson is trying to unseat Joseph Droll.

In the 1st Ward, Paula Dillon is challenging Don Myers. In Ward 3, Teresa Lee is being challenged by Lupe Martinez. In Ward 4, incumbent Thomas Lake faces George Scott Jr.

Five candidates are competing for three council-at-large seats: David Bettenhausen, Allyson Murray, and incumbents Barbara Marley, Jerry Nelson and Georgianna Widmer.

Fostoria residents also will vote on a proposal to shift the city from a strong mayor to a city manager form of government.



School boards

Three candidates are competing for two seats on Findlay school board: E. Jeffrey Stephani and incumbents Barbara Dysinger and Shane Pochard.

Voters also will decide school board races in the Arcadia, Cory-Rawson, Riverdale, Van Buren, Vanlue and North Baltimore districts.



Township races

Two trustees will be elected in each of Hancock County's 17 townships.

There are races in 12 of those townships: Allen, Amanda, Biglick, Blanchard, Cass, Delaware, Jackson, Liberty, Madison, Marion, Portage and Union.



Major Election Day issues in surrounding counties:

Allen County

Allen County voters will decide whether to repeal an additional half-percent, three-year sales and use tax. The tax was approved by the county commissioners for the general fund.



Hardin County

Survival of Hardin County's Ohio State University Extension office depends on voter approval of a 0.4-mill, five-year countywide levy.



Henry County

Patrick Henry School District is asking voters to renew a 1.9-mill permanent improvement levy for a continuing period, and a 2.45-mill, five-year operating levy.

Putnam County

Putnam County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board is seeking a 0.3-mill, five-year levy renewal.

The county board which oversees the Enhanced 911 emergency telephone system is seeking a 1-mill replacement levy and a 0.25-mill increase for five years.



Seneca County

Hopewell-Loudon School District is seeking a 5.98-mill levy and a half-percent income tax, each for 38 years, for its share of a new building. A separate issue, to fund an auditorium and athletic stadium, seeks a 2.18-mill, 38-year tax.



Wood County

In North Baltimore, contests will be decided for Village Council and school board seats.

Elmwood School District is seeking renewal of a half-percent, five-year income tax and a three-quarter percent, five-year income tax. Both are for operations.

An Elmwood school board race also will be decided.



Wyandot County

Wyandot County voters are being asked to approve an additional 0.8-mill, five-year levy for Wyandot County Council on Aging.

Carey voters will decide a school board contest.

Wilin: 419-427-8413

Send an e-mail to Lou Wilin


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17 Comments (2 pages)

Latest comments listed first.
Steve wrote:
Fired Up!
“ Where would the firemen be if it were other departments taking the hit? I hope not where you were these past several weeks while they were out organizing, and busting their asses, which by the way, probably kept your job from being targeted next. As far as I know it was strictly firemen and police that did the campaigning, and that anyone was welcome. But then that's more difficult than whining, and complaining.
Its funny how everyone likes to ride the coat tails in the good years! I suggest you sign a union card. ”
Wednesday, November 04, 2009 12:38:45 AM
Get Real wrote:
Dougs Unemployment check
“ It's about to get smaller...

mwhahahahhahahah ”
Tuesday, November 03, 2009 4:31:55 PM
Gary wrote:
Doug, more info needed please?
“ So Doug, what was the name of this town you came from. What state was it in also. Just so we can compare apples to apples. ”
Tuesday, November 03, 2009 11:47:50 AM
Doug wrote:
hmmmm
“ I moved here from a town the size of Findlay that actually had an "all volunteer" Fire Department and I can say that our home owners insurance was no more expensive than it is here! ”
Tuesday, November 03, 2009 9:17:47 AM
Fired Up! wrote:
raises
“ Non existance! We will see at the first of the year now won't we about the firemen and their raises. (again) Solidarity! That is what the city of Findlay employees are suppose to feel and share! Yea! Right! If it were all the other employees jobs on the line where would the firemen be? I can tell you where, sitting in their fire dept relaxing on their recliners from another rough day....! Look at the amount of firemen that Lima has and the stations and such compared to Findlay. We could do with less and still be fine, if the ones remaining were willing. Ask all the other depts how they are working with less year after year. Less people but more areas to take care of. But people don't care about the other depts until they start missing things that get done by all those depts. ”
Tuesday, November 03, 2009 6:12:07 AM
PC wrote:
Local Taxes
“ The economy has been hard on all of us, city, county, and residents. More money out of our shrinking pockets is a tough choice. We can point fingers in all directions sighting fiscal irresponsibility, lack of leadership and management, etc., but the facts are these government agencies have been trimming their budgets as much as 10% or more annually for at least the last 5 years to cope with the decreasing income of tax revenues, doing more with less.

The real issue that we have to ask ourselves is "Why do we choose to live in Findlay or Hancock County? Most would say because it is a clean, safe comunity with a good employment base. The area has good schools, nice parks and civic activities for all ages, and low taxes. These are some attractive qualities for a small community that attract business and people to Findlay. Loss of any of these assets are a loss to the community attraction, and potentially a loss to business and employment creating a snowball effect. Even the perception of a struggling community looses its appeal to new business and employment.

The people that love this community and all that it has to offer need to step up and support these tax issues, we have all been riding on a good deal for a long time. For those that don't want to support it maybe you should check out Tiffin (oops 1.75% cit), or Fostoria (oops 2.0% cit). My biggest disapointment is the 3 year 1.25% is only a patch. Should have been 1.5% permanent. ”
Tuesday, November 03, 2009 1:27:10 AM
YES! wrote:
VOTE YES TOMORROW!
“ Actually 'Frightened', the firefighters took a pay cut this past year and this tax is not going towards this non-existent pay raise you say they will be receiving. As this article states, this tax is going towards maintaining police and firefighters.

Doug, are you prepared to pay your home insurance when it INCREASES because of the firefighter layoffs/closing of station 4? If Issue 5 does not pass, homeowner's insurance is going to shoot through the roof. What you will pay in insurance each period will be FAR more than what you would've paid for as far as the income tax increase is concerned. If Issue 5 does not pass, all properties will have to pay higher insurance because the city will be understaffed when it comes to public safety forces.


I completely agree with Concerned Citizen. Save our city and VOTE YES on all local issues, but get the morons out of office. ”
Monday, November 02, 2009 7:31:44 PM
Yes to County Sales Tax wrote:
Sales Tax Fairest of them ALL!
“ Your county commissioners have been working hard for all of you! Not only are they fiscal responsible they have the county at bare bones. And they will continue to be responsible. When most counties around them have higher sales tax and are not having to provide for flood mitigation. Your commissioners have developed a budget to support the county services and put back money for the flood on much less than any other county in the state. The next time you see one of our county commissioners thank them for the great job they are doing. Remember sales tax is the fairest of them all. ”
Monday, November 02, 2009 5:02:46 PM
Concerned Citizen wrote:
Frightened makes the right point wrong thought
“ Do not vote no due to morons in office, Vote yes on the tax levies and vote the morons out of office ASAP. Vote yes for the schools and the future of community. ”
Monday, November 02, 2009 2:36:28 PM
Frightened wrote:
BEWARE!!
“ Sprague and Senhert need to demonstrate they can be responsible with our tax dollars before I vote to give them more. The misinformation they have been spreading the last several months should be illegal. They are twisting the arm of the community by threatening to lay off public safety and closing a fire station that serves the better neighborhoods, when closing 2 others would not have such of an impact on response times. Also, no leaf pickup only saves the city a few thousand dollars, not $180,000. They factored in the wages of those people involved in the pickup. Those people get paid whether or not they are picking up leaves. The city already owns the equipment so fuel and maintenance on the equipment are the only expenses. Changing he city health plan to NWOHP (BVH based health plan) only guarantees ProMedica will think twice about building facilities here. The WORC is hemorrhaging money already and it has only been open a few weeks. The firefighters are going to see another raise at the beginning of next year meaning they received significant raises in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
These new tax dollars are going to support flood mitigation, Cube functions, WORC functions, maintenance of the parks, firefighter RAISES, and if there is anything left over, maybe other city departments. Be careful on how you vote and who you trust!
”
Monday, November 02, 2009 12:56:02 PM
   NEWS VIDEO

Benton Ridge Shooting

This video, released by the Hancock County Prosecutor's Office, shows the shooting of a Lima man who led authorities on a three-county chase ending Aug.24 in Benton Ridge. Be cautioned, the video contains graphic content.
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News Briefs Firefighters discover 20 marijuana plants in house
After fighting a house fire early Monday at 815 Howard St., firefighters found 20 marijuana plants in the residence.

"They ran across it and called us," said police Sgt. Justin Hendren with the Hancock County METRICH Drug Enforcement Unit.

Police seized all 20 plants, and Hendren said charges are pending.

High-powered growing lights, fans, and a box filled with dried marijuana were also found in the house, according to a police report.

Investigators said an electrical short started the fire before 3 a.m. Monday.

The blaze caused an estimated $12,000 in damage to the residence, owned by Amanda Crawford. No one was injured, according to the Findlay Fire Department.

Carey announces holiday closing
CAREY -- Carey offices, including administrative, income tax and utilities, electric, wastewater treatment plant, and public works, will be closed Monday in observance of Labor Day.

The curbside recycling program will be held Tuesday through Thursday, Sept. 7-9.

Findlay trooper named sergeant
Trooper Jacob L. Fletcher, assigned to the Findlay post of the State Highway Patrol, was promoted to sergeant Wednesday by Patrol Superintendent Col. David Dicken.

With the promotion, Fletcher will stay at the Findlay post and serve as an assistant post commander, according to the patrol.

Fletcher began his patrol career in 2002 after graduating from the 139th Academy class and has been assigned to the Findlay post since.

Owens announces holiday schedule
The Toledo and Findlay campuses of Owens Community College will be closed Saturday through Monday for the Labor Day holiday.

There will be no classes and the college offices will be closed.

Classes will resume and offices will open again on Tuesday.

Holiday changes ad deadlines
The Courier won't be published on Monday, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

Because of the holiday, some advertising deadlines have been moved up this week:

Black and white display advertising for Tuesday's newspaper must be placed by noon Friday. Display advertising for Wednesday's newspaper must be placed by 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Color display advertising for the Thursday, Sept. 9 newspaper must be placed by Friday.

Classified advertising and City and Country advertising for Saturday's newspaper must be placed by 2 p.m. Friday. Classified ads for Tuesday's newspaper must be placed by 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Courier business and advertising offices will close at 3 p.m. Friday for the holiday.