Putnam County voters consider renewal levies

Oct. 18—OTTAWA — Voters in Putnam County have a pair of countywide renewal levies to consider when they cast their ballots in November.

Residents will have a voice on a 1.25-mill renewal levy to support the countywide 911 system. It's a five-year levy, which passed with 80.5% of voters approving it in 2019.

This year's levy will actually collect less money from a property owner's house worth $100,000, with the 2019 levy collecting $44 a year and the proposed renewal collecting $31 per year.

"This cost less per year due to reduction factors from the state due to the increased values of properties and the increased number of properties being built," Sheriff Brian Siefker said via email.

Voters will also consider renewing a 0.7-mill levy for Putnam County Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment and Prevention Services. It will pay for current expenses over the next five years. It passed easily in 2019, with 73% of voters in favor of it.

Most of the ballot issues in Putnam County are renewals of existing levies, meaning voters' approval will collect the same total amount as when it was first approved. Four municipalities are looking at replacement levies, though.

"This can replace the millage and replaces the amount to be collected based on the values of that year," according to the Putnam County Auditor's website. This allows that millage to collect more money and also will not qualify for rollbacks if the previous levy did qualify for them."

Kalida, Ottoville and Palmer Township are each looking for replacement levies. Kalida seeks 1.4 mills on an issue for current expenses that had 76% of voters in favor five years ago. Ottoville's 1.3 mill issue for current expenses had a 74% yes rate in 2019. Palmer Township's 2-mill road repair levy had 77% in favor of it five years ago. West Leipsic is looking for a 3-mill replacement levy to pay for current expenses, with its previous levy passing with 63% in favor back in 2018.

Greensburg Township voters have the rare chance to lower their tax bill while still voting yes on a fire services levy. The trustees there asked for a 1-mill levy to replace the 1.5-mill levy last approved in 2019, when 72% of voters said "yes."

Voters in Gilboa will also consider an electric aggregation issue.

Renewal ballot issues include:

—Cloverdale, 2.3 mill renewal, current expenses, five years

—Columbus Grove, 1 mill renewal, current expenses, five years

—Columbus Grove schools, 0.75% income tax renewal, five years, current expenses

—Continental: 1.2 mill renewal, current expenses of street lighting, five years

—Continental: 3 mill renewal, police protection, five years

—Continental: 0.5 mill renewal, street construction and maintenance, five years

—Jackson Township: 1 mill renewal, current expenses, five years

—Jackson Township: 0.5 mill renewal, roads, five years

—Jennings schools: 0.75% income tax renewal, current expenses, five years

—Jennings Township: 2.5 mill renewal, roads and bridges, five years