PLYMOUTH — Voters in the village of Plymouth will see two local property tax issues on the May 6 primary ballot — one to renew support for cemetery maintenance, and another to establish a new levy for police department funding.
The two separate levies are designed to provide long-term, consistent support for essential services.
What voters need to know
Both property tax issues will appear on the May 6 primary ballot for Plymouth residents in Richland and Huron counties.
- The cemetery levy is a renewal and would maintain current tax levels.
- The police levy is new and would increase property taxes by roughly $70 per $100,000 of appraised value.
If both issues pass, the combined annual cost to a property owner with a $100,000 home would be approximately $105.
Cemetery levy returns after narrow defeat
One of the issues on the ballot is a renewal of a 1-mill, five-year property tax to fund the operation and maintenance of Plymouth’s cemeteries.
If passed, the measure would not increase taxes, continuing a funding stream that has supported services such as mowing, tree trimming and grounds upkeep at Greenlawn and Pioneer Rest cemeteries.
Plymouth Fiscal Officer DiAnn Jamerson said the levy generates about $17,000 annually, covering personnel, equipment repairs and maintenance needs such as weed whacking and backhoe operation.
“The most consistent funds we receive to upkeep the cemeteries come through this property tax,” Jamerson previously told Richland Source.
In November 2024, voters narrowly rejected the same renewal request.
According to final unofficial results from the Richland County Board of Elections, 149 voters supported the measure while 173 opposed it. In Huron County, 151 voters were in favor with 149 opposed — a nearly even split.
If approved in May, the tax will continue to cost property owners about $35 per $100,000 of property value.
New police levy seeks to restore coverage, equipment
The second ballot issue is a new 2-mill, five-year property tax levy aimed at strengthening the village’s police department.
Village Council unanimously passed a resolution declaring the necessity of the measure in January.
The levy would support vehicles, communication systems, equipment, buildings, and salaries for police personnel, according to the approved legislation.
It would also cover mandatory law enforcement software, including LEADS (Law Enforcement Automated Data System), MARCS radio service, and computers.
Jamerson said the tax would generate approximately $48,800 per year, according to estimates from the Richland County Auditor’s office.
If passed, the new levy will cost 20 cents per $100 of appraised property value, beginning in tax year 2025 and first due in 2026.
For a property valued at $100,000, the cost would be roughly $70 annually.