Three Morgan replacement levies pass

Nov. 7—MORGAN — Unofficial results from the Ashtabula County Board of Elections said three replacement levies from Morgan Township passed in Tuesday's election.

One replacement levy for fire and emergency medical service was on the ballot for residents of Rock Creek and Roaming Shores villages, in addition to the township.

Morgan's fire and EMS often work in those villages.

There were 617 votes in favor of the levy and 415 against it.

The 2.5 mill, four-year levy will bring in $198,000 annually.

Bob Martin, chairman of the Morgan Township Trustees, said fire levies are popular.

"Everybody likes to see their fire levies pass, because they all want the firetrucks to show up at their house in the bad event they need them," he said.

Two road and bridge levies were also on the ballot, both of which which last for five years.

One road and bridges levy was for 1.5 mills and will collect $40,000 annually.

It received 247 votes in favor and 194 against.

The other was for 3 mills and will collect $79,000 annually.

The 3-mill road levy was approved by a narrow margin, with 223 votes in favor and 212 against.

Martin said the margin of victory doesn't worry him.

"Even it's a close vote, more of them like it than not," he said.

Martin said he wasn't too surprised by the results for all three levies.

"The residents in the township and even the non-township residents travel our roads," he said. "They're seeing the improvements that are being made, and they're happy with it."

Martin said the presidential election drew out more voters, but that didn't affect the levy results.

Many non-profits own land in Morgan Township, like the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Beaumont Boy Scout Camp and Glenbeigh Hospital and Outpatient Center.

Because of that, much township land is non-taxed.

Martin said the levies will help make up the difference.