Plain Township Trustees Approve Renewal Levy for November Ballot

On August 1, 2025, Plain Township trustees convened a special meeting to address a crucial matter concerning the township’s public safety funding. The board approved placing a five-year renewal of a 4.25-mill policy levy on the upcoming November 4 ballot. This decision comes as a response to a recent change in state law that mandates municipalities to specify the estimated revenue raised by levy measures in precise figures on ballots.

This policy renewal is not intended as a tax increase. If approved by voters, it will enable the township to maintain its current funding levels for the Stark County Sheriff’s Office. For the next five years, from 2027 to 2031, homeowners will continue to pay approximately $94 a year per $100,000 of property valuation, ensuring the continuation of enhanced police services currently provided under a contract.

The levy initially gained voter approval in 2016, with the primary aim of funding the addition of ten sheriff’s deputies to bolster the township’s law enforcement capabilities. In November 2020, voters overwhelmingly renewed the levy, with approximately 62% approving a five-year replacement measure. This ballot measure also adjusted the cost to residents from $134 to $148.75 per $100,000 in valuation, reflecting an increasing demand for public safety in the growing township. However, due to new construction and development within the area, the current cost has decreased, now averaging around $94 per $100,000 in valuation.

The impetus for re-approving the levy arose from new guidelines provided by the Ohio Secretary of State’s office on July 18, which clarified that estimated revenues for ballot language must be stated without rounding to the nearest thousand. Given this change, the Stark County Board of Elections and the Stark County Prosecutor’s office recommended that the trustees hold another vote to ensure compliance. The revised estimated revenue from the levy is now set at $3,771,358, up from the previously stated $3,771,000.

The decision to place the renewal on the ballot must be finalized by the state-mandated filing deadline of August 6, underscoring the urgency of the trustees’ meeting. The prorated levy would allow the township to continue receiving necessary funding without imposing a new financial burden on residents. This approach reflects a proactive strategy to ensure that public safety services are adequately funded while remaining transparent and compliant with state regulations.

Trustee Campbell noted that the Stark County sheriff’s office believes that the revenue from this capped renewal levy would sufficiently cover operational costs through 2031. This level of confidence in funding stability is critical, particularly as the township continues to grow and encounter new challenges related to public safety and community service demands.

The implications of this levy extension cannot be underestimated. For residents, the renewal signifies both continued investment in their safety and a commitment from local officials to responsibly manage taxpayer dollars. The funding provided by the levy enhances the township’s ability to respond effectively to crime and emergencies, fostering a secure environment for families and businesses.

This situation is not unique to Plain Township. Similar adjustments have occurred in other areas in response to the same state law. For instance, Bethlehem Township trustees were also required to re-pass their six-year, 1.5-mill road levy renewal. Likewise, Waynesburg Council had to approve a renewed 2-mill general expense levy. These actions illustrate the broader effects of administrative changes at the state level, prompting municipalities across Ohio to reassess their ballot measures and funding strategies.

The forthcoming November vote presents an opportunity for Plain Township residents to voice their support for public safety initiatives. As the community weighs the importance of these services against their fiscal responsibilities, the decision will ultimately reflect their priorities and expectations for the future. This renewal levy not only symbolizes a commitment to maintaining safety but also highlights the evolving landscape of local governance as townships navigate legislative changes and community needs.

As the deadline approaches, the trustees remain focused on conducting outreach to inform residents about the levy renewal and its implications. Voter engagement will be key in ensuring that the necessary funding for law enforcement services continues uninterrupted, protecting the welfare of Plain Township residents for years to come.