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Police levy set for Madison Township
(by Linda Dillman, staff writer - February 18, 2010)
Armed with results of a community survey and with less than a day to get on the ballot for May, Madison Township trustees forged ahead with a 1.56-mill levy request for the police department.
At their Feb. 17 meeting, the trustees approved the continuing levy resolution, which, if adopted, will cost the owner of a property with $100,000 in valuation an additional $47.53. If approved by voters, the levy would generate $1 million and ensure three police officers are patrolling the township on each shift, staff the detective bureau with two fulltime positions, and return vehicles to a regular replacement rotation.
Levy Chairmen Jim Hummel released results of a phone poll conducted by an outside firm, which contacted a random sampling of 300 township residents. More than 47 percent of respondents rated the level of local law enforcement as good, 34 percent said it was excellent, and less than 1.5 percent rated it as poor.
The majority of residents polled felt Madison Township does a good job of spending money in an effective and responsible manner and almost 58 percent said they would vote for the levy, while 15.6 percent would vote against it. When asked which law enforcement issue generated the most concern for individuals, home break-ins resulted in 57 percent, followed by drugs (14.6 percent), and violent crimes (11.3 percent).
"We conducted the first poll of the township and we got very specific about the cost," Hummel said. "Preliminary information we got back is that we had a great return and it appears the vast majority is in favor of the police levy concept. Overall, the numbers were very, very encouraging. The poll cost us $2,800 and we want to do another one around the end of March. This is good news so far. We just need everyone's continued support."
Township water issues
Madison Township Administrator Larry Flowers said Ohio American Water asked the township to consider assembling a consumer advisory group of Blacklick Estates residents to discuss water issues and keep dialogue open between OAW, the township, and consumers. For information, contact the township office at 836-5308.
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