(Posted Nov. 7, 2018)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
The city of London’s request for a 2-mill, five-year levy to fund city-run emergency medical services (EMS) failed. The levy appeared on the Nov. 6 general election ballot.
The vote tally was 1,296 (45 percent) to 1,576 (55 percent).
City council voted in September to withdraw from the Madison County Emergency Medical District (EMD). They also voted to stop collecting the 3-mill levy that funds the EMD’s services to the city. Both actions take effect on Jan. 1, 2019. The city plans to run its own EMS services through its fire department.
“I wish that the levy would have passed but the city of London is still going to be able to run emergency medical services, beginning Jan. 1, 2019,” said Mayor Patrick Closser. “We have been great stewards of the taxpayers’ dollars, and the city of London will successfully operate our emergency medical services through our fire department. I truly do not believe that the citizens are against the consolidation of our fire department and emergency medical services; however, I think we could have done more to inform the citizens on this issue.”
Closser said the fact that the ballot issue would have lowered the cost of EMS services from 3 mills to 2 mills should have been an easy sell.
“The words ‘For the tax levy’ in any election usually means that a new or higher tax will be imposed. Although this time it meant a decrease in taxes, the wording on the ballot was unfortunately confusing,” he said.
“I have all the confidence in my administration, our citizens and especially our Fire and EMS Department, and am certain that we will able to pass this levy in the future,” he continued. “While many areas are raising taxes, we have found a way to lower taxes while improving services. The safety of our citizens has always been our utmost concern. We will push on with this responsibility and look forward to serving our community.”
Other tax issues on the Nov. 6 ballot included: an income tax renewal for Jefferson Local Schools; property tax renewals for Midway’s current expenses, Darby Township’s current expenses and cemetery upkeep, and Paint Township’s cemetery upkeep; and a property tax renewal with an increase for Range Township’s current expenses. All passed, as did an option permitting La Carreta Mexican Restaurant in London to sell liquor on Sundays between 11 a.m. and midnight.
Republican Tony Xenikis came out on top in the race for Madison County commissioner. He took 68 percent of the vote to Democrat Ron Roach’s 32 percent. Xenikis replaces David Dhume who opted not to run for reelection. The four-year term starts Jan. 1.
The only other county position up for election was county auditor. Jennifer Hunter ran unopposed and was reelected to a four-year term.
Madison County resident Anne Gorman, a Democrat, lost to Republican incumbent Bill Dean in the race for state representative for the 74th District. Republican Steve Stivers won reelection to Congress in Ohio’s 15th District, beating out Democrat Rick Neal and Libertarian Johnathan Miller.
Results from Board of Elections
The following are the unofficial results of the Nov. 6 general election, as reported by the Madison County Board of Elections on election night. The board will certify the official results on Nov. 27.
Voter turnout was 55 percent, with 13,735 of the county’s 24,921 registered voters casting ballots.
Madison County Commissioner
One seat up for election
Ronald H. Roach (D) 4,248 (32.07%)
Tony K. Xenikis (R) 9,000 (67.93%)
Madison County Auditor
One seat up for election
Jennifer S. Hunter (R) 10,794 (100%)
Jefferson Local Schools
Renewal of a 1 percent income tax for current expenses for seven years
For the levy 1,685 (64.96%)
Against the levy 909 (35.04%)
City of London – EMS Levy
Additional 2-mill, five-year property tax for operation of emergency medical services through the fire department
For the levy 1,296 (45.13%)
Against the levy 1,576 (54.87%)
Village of Midway
Renewal of a 3-mill, five-year property tax levy for current expenses
For the levy 68 (85%)
Against the levy 12 (15%)
Darby Township – Cemetery
Renewal of a 1-mill, five-year property tax levy for maintenance of Forest Grove Cemetery
For the levy 933 (64.57%)
Against the levy 512 (35.43%)
Darby Township – Current Expenses
Renewal of a 0.6-mill, five-year property tax levy for current expenses
For the levy 888 (62.58%)
Against the levy 531 (37.42%)
Paint Township
Renewal of a 0.4-mill, five-year property tax levy for cemetery maintenance
For the levy 171 (73.08%)
Against the levy 63 (26.92%)
Range Township
Renewal of a 0.3-mill property tax levy with a 0.5-mill increase for five years for current expenses
For the levy 244 (67.78%)
Against the levy 116 (32.22%)
City of London – Local Option
La Carreta Mexican Restaurant is requesting a liquor permit for sale of liquor on Sundays between 11 a.m. and midnight
Yes 551 (71.74%)
No 217 (28.26%)
For more information about election results, visit https://madison.ohioboe.com/ or call (740) 852-9424. The Board of Elections is located at 1423 State Rte. 38 SE, London.
