Martins Ferry Seeks Police Levy
Posted on: October 12, 2016
The Martins Ferry Police Department is seeking citizens’ support to pass a 5 mil levy. If passed, the levy would generate $300,000 earmarked directly for the police operations budget.
The levy is needed to offset the loss of Local Government Funds which have been reduced substantially over the past several years by the state government. ?A large portion of the Local Government Funds have been a traditional source of funding for Martins Ferry’s safety forces. ?These cuts, enacted by the State of Ohio, have made it impossible to sustain a fully staffed Police Department.
Passage of this levy would ensure a stream of funding for the Police Department as well as decrease the amount of money now being used to support the police from the city’s General Fund. ?As a result, the General Fund would be able to support other city departments such as Street and Cemetery.
Should the levy fail, deep budget cuts would take place resulting in a reduction in police officers, dispatchers, and ultimately a less safe Martins Ferry.
The cost of the 5 mil levy to a property owner is dependent on the value of the property owned. ?For example, a home worth $80,000 would have a gross tax increase of $140. ?When the Homestead Reduction is included, the actual tax would be $96.25. For less than the price of two tickets to a major league sporting event or concert, a citizen can insure police protection throughout their city.