Richland County voters will decide multiple property tax renewals this election. The renewals include funding for fire protection and local services in several communities.

The Duchess gas station at 860 State Route 97 W. will also be on the ballot for a local liquor option allowing wine and mixed beverages to be sold on Sundays.

Property tax renewal in Plymouth

Voters in Plymouth will decide on a property tax renewal that would maintain a 6-mill levy for five years, beginning in 2026, with the first payment due in 2027.

The levy is expected to generate $77,680 annually, though the amount could vary slightly depending on delinquent tax payments, according to fiscal officer DiAnn Jamerson.

This levy is a renewal, not a new tax. The property tax has been in place for decades, Jamerson said.

For homeowners, the levy would cost approximately $210 per $100,000 of appraised property value.

The money goes into the village’s general fund, supporting multiple departments including police, the mayor’s office, council, mayor’s court, custodial services and more. The levy also provides monthly transfers to the village pool.

“It is very important and it is a renewal, nothing new. I have a council person say that after every meeting,” she said. “If we had to put it on as a new tax it would be more.”

Jamerson noted if the renewal fails, it would significantly affect various departments and general fund operations.

 “It would impact quite a bit,” she added.

Perry Township

Perry Township voters will decide a property tax renewal that would maintain a 2.5-mill levy for five years, beginning in 2026, with the first payment due in 2027.

The levy is expected to generate approximately $71,364 annually, according to fiscal officer Beth Fry.

For homeowners, the levy would cost approximately $88 per $100,000 of appraised property value.

The money goes to fund fire and EMS services through contracts with neighboring townships.

Of the total, $65,000 would go to Troy Township for fire and EMS coverage, while the remaining $6,364 would fund services from Fredericktown for residents in the southern part of Perry Township.

“We live in a rural, small township with no police or fire, so we have to contract with neighboring townships for fire and EMS,” Fry said.

She emphasized this is a renewal of an existing levy and not a new tax.

“It is nothing new. We use the taxpayer money wisely,” she said.

The township has relied on this levy for decades, she noted it will not increase costs for residents.

“We couldn’t survive without this levy,” she added. “I don’t know what we would do or how we would provide our residents with fire protection.

“It’s very important they support the levy so they can receive the protection they need.”

Springfield Township

Voters in Springfield Township will decide on two property tax renewals that would maintain a 0.5-mill levy and a 2-mill levy for five years, beginning in 2026, with the first payment due in 2027.

The 0.5-mill levy is expected to generate approximately $137,600 annually, while the 2-mill levy would generate about $550,400, according to Fiscal Officer Amanda Hike.

For homeowners, the 0.5-mill levy would cost approximately $18 per $100,000 of appraised property value, while the 2-mill levy would cost about $70 per $100,000.

She noted if the levies fail, it would become more difficult to maintain equipment, keep up with technology and remain competitive with wages.

Trustee Paul Gleisinger said both levies have been in place since around 2001. The funding helps cover personnel costs, including pensions, as the department transitioned to more full-time firefighters over the years.

One of the levies (the 2-mill levy) specifically includes funding for firefighter pensions. He said before, the fire department hadn’t always been full-time.

“They must have been required to start paying in more to the pension system for making full-time positions,” he added. “Somewhere in 2001 they decided they needed a couple more firemen so they hired two or three for more staffing.”

“They didn’t start EMS until 2005, so this is just for fire equipment, personnel expenses, building expenses,” Gleisinger said.

“We’re not asking for new money, we’re just asking for them to renew the money they have already been paying since 2001,” Gleisinger said. “We try to be fair with the taxpayers.”

Local liquor option at Duchess in Bellville

In addition to levy renewals, voters in Bellville will decide on a local liquor option for the Duchess gas station at 860 State Route 97 W. If approved, the gas station would be allowed to sell wine and mixed beverages on Sundays.

“They already sell beer at the location on Sundays, but this would allow wine and mixed beverages,” said Bob Young, a valid issue consultant for the location.

He added this is the first time the Duchess gas station has been on the ballot for a local liquor option.

Young said the proposal follows a system used by numerous other businesses, aiming for fairness in the process. He added if the local liquor option passes it could help benefit the area.

“Short answer is yes, but I’m not sure the exact numbers,” Young added. “However, the permit process increases sales, which increases revenue and benefits the county.”

Nathan Arnold, director of marketing for Englefield Inc., said this is about convenience for their customers while continuing to operate responsibly and in full compliance with all reglations.

“It’s a combination of customer demand and aligning with expectations, especially since nearby retailers already offer Sunday sales,” he said.

Arnold said if approved, sales would begin once the state issues the permit, typically shortly after the election results are finalized.

“The store would follow all Ohio liquor laws, including Sunday sales hours, ID verification and all standard compliance requirements,” he said.