By Tara Figurski
Staff Writer
On May 6, voters will decide the fate of a .75 mill levy for Truro Township.
Voters previously defeated the levy last November.
If approved, the levy would cost the owner of a $100,000 home $26.25 in additional taxes a year, according to Truro Township Administrator Jason Nicodemus.
“This levy is for the general fund, or current expenses of the township, which encompasses the governance structure of the township, administrative costs and legal management of the township as a whole,” Nicodemus said.
Revenue generated by the levy would fund all finances in the township with the exception of specially designated funds like the fire and cemetery funds, according to Nicodemus. He said the additional revenue is needed to offset the reductions in local government funds, including the tangible personal property tax and the rollback of the homestead tax.
“We have had numerous reductions from the state,” said Nicodemus.
Township trustee Barbara Strussion agrees the additional revenue is needed because of cuts in state funding.
“If it were not for cuts in state funding and a decrease in tax revenues from properties, I don’t believe that we would be in this position,” Strussion said.
Nicodemus said the township has made cuts in spending wherever possible to help offset the decrease in state funding.
“There are some expenses that we do not have control over,” Nicodemus said. “Those are mostly pass-through fees that come through the state and county, such as auditor fees, board of health fees and election expenses.”
If the levy fails, officials will have to look for additional ways to cut costs. Nicodemus said the township has been trying to make cuts wherever possible and share services with other entities.
“We have looked at every expenditure to see what additional cuts, if available can be made,” said Nicodemus.
In an effort to get the levy passed, township trustees and officials have discussed the levy with individuals they come across.
“We have been reaching out to people,” Strussion said. “This is a small amount that we are asking for that will do a lot in the long run. The general fund affects the operation of the entire township including fire, EMS, cemetery and roads.”
The levy is factored on the taxable value of a property not the market value, township officials said. To get an estimate of the levy, voters can visit the Franklin County auditor’s website at www.franklincountyauditor.com and search for their property. When they bring up their property there is a link on the left hand side for current levy information.
“When they click on the link it will bring up what is available to vote on for this May’s election and list Truro Township and show an estimated monthly cost,” Nicodemus said.
