Monroe Township is no longer the only Madison County township without zoning.
According to unofficial election results from the Madison County Board of Elections, 317 residents voted for a zoning plan and 280 voted against it.
“We’re pretty pleased with the results. We’re just thankful we were able to get through to everybody,” said Phil Adelsberger, a member of Monroe Township’s zoning committee.
The zoning plan will provide for the regulation of the location, size and use of buildings and other structures, percentage of lot areas that may be occupied, setback building lines, sizes of yards, and uses of land for business, industry, residences, recreation and other purposes. Current land uses for properties in the township will be grandfathered in. The zoning plan will come into play when someone wants to change the use of a piece of land.
Jefferson Local Schools Levy
Jefferson Local Schools will continue to collect a 0.5 percent income tax for operating expenses. The measure passed without trouble, taking 61 percent of the vote.
“I was surprised by the large margin because of the tough economic times we’re in,” said Superintendent William Mullett. “We’re very appreciative of our supporters and the West Jefferson community.”
The ballot issue reflects school officials’ awareness of the economic climate. In a change from how the tax has been collec-ted in the past, the measure now pertains to earned income only. Social Security, pensions, interest, dividends, capital gains, rental income, lottery winnings, and income earned by estates are now exempt from taxation.
“Our message…was to give money back to taxpayers, particularly those on fixed incomes,” Mullet said.
He added that elections are a form of feedback and, in this case, the feedback was good.
“It shows that, in a general sense, our community is happy with what we’re doing with the school system…and that we’re on the right track.”
Other Issues and Questions
With the exception of a request by Rich Oil in London to sell beer from 1 p.m. to midnight on Sundays, all other questions and levies in Madison County passed.
Darby Township will collect a 0.6-mill levy for operating expenses for another five years. The levy costs the owner of a $100,000 home $9.49 per year. Darby Township also will collect a 1-mill levy for Forest Grove Cemetery for another five years. It costs the owner of a $100,000 home $16.54 per year.
Paint Township’s 0.4-mill levy for cemetery maintenance was replaced for another five years. The cost to an owner of a $100,000 home is $12.25 per year.
Voters renewed two 1.5-mill, five-year levies for the Sterling Joint Ambulance District. For an owner of a $100,000 home, the cost of each levy is $31.54 per year.
