GALENA — Genoa Township is seeking a replacement and decrease tax levy for roads in the upcoming Nov. 5 election.

The Delaware County Board of Elections ballot language reads:

“A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. A replacement of a portion of an existing levy, being a reduction of 0.21 mills to constitute a tax for the benefit of Genoa Township (Unincorporated) for the purpose of general construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, and repair of streets, roads, and bridges that the county auditor estimates will collect $3,095,000 annually, at a rate not exceeding 1.89 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $66 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s appraised value, for 5 years, commencing in 2024, first due in calendar year 2025.”

The township says the following about the roads and bridges levy in its latest newsletter (October-December):

“The primary funding mechanism for the Maintenance Department is the Roads and Bridges Levy. These funds are used to repair potholes, resurface roads, plow snow, and improve roadside drainage. On its regular 5-year schedule, the levy must be considered by voters again this November 5th.

“Proudly, the value of residents’ tax investment to the Roads and Bridges Levy were stretched significantly over the past five years with grant awards totaling over $1 million to improve Highland Lakes Avenue, Big Walnut Road, Mt. Royal Avenue, and Plumb Road. The Roads and Bridges Levy is a proposed replacement and a decrease of 0.21 mills which equates to $66 for each $100,000 of valuation.”

Fiscal Officer Pat Myers wrote a letter to residents in the current newsletter regarding how levies are determined in the first place:

“A variety of stakeholders are involved in right-sizing levy funding, which provides layered oversight,”. I am one layer; others include the Board of Trustees, Administrator (Paul) Wise, Department Directors and resident advisors. Determining levy amounts is guided by several factors:

• Current and Projected Costs: Operating expenses including personnel, equipment, maintenance, training, and debt obligations are analyzed. Future needs are considered such as equipment or facility upkeep.

• Revenue: I compile and review funding sources such as levies, state investment, and grants. Until invoices are due, tax dollars are managed thoughtfully, diving them into investment accounts with varying degrees of liquidity to operate efficiently while maximizing value.

• Property Valuation: I work with the Delaware County Auditor to determine the total assessed value of all properties combined to establish how much one “mill” (one-tenth of a cent) will generate.

• Community Needs and Service Levels: Data is scrutinized to understand service standards that are measured in miles of road paved per year or emergency call volume, for example. The team discusses whether current standards are appropriate and discuss the associated costs. Peer communities are benchmarked.

• Taxpayer Impact: Financial impact to taxpayers is of top importance. We strive to balance delivering essential services with affordability for residents.

“The Fiscal Office presents the proposed levy to the Board of Trustees,” Myers concludes. “If approved, the levy is submitted to the Board of Elections to be placed on the ballot, leaving the final decision to the community. Voter participation is crucial.”

For more information, visit Genoa Township (genoatwp.com).

Assistant Editor Gary Budzak photographs and reports on stories in eastern Delaware County and surrounding areas. He can be reached at 740-413-0906.