RICHLAND COUNTY — Voters in Richland County approved multiple property tax renewals on the ballot Tuesday, along with a local liquor option in Bellville.

The ballot included renewal levies in Plymouth, Perry Township and Springfield Township. Voters also decided whether the Duchess gas station at 860 State Route 97 W. could sell wine and mixed beverages on Sundays.

All of the levies were renewals, meaning they would not raise taxes but continue existing funding levels. They continue collections beginning in 2026 and first payments due in 2027.

Plymouth Township

Richland County voted against the Plymouth 6-mill levy renewal for five years.

According to final unofficial results from the Richland County Board of Elections, 42 votes were for the levy at 48.84 percent and 44 votes were against the levy at 51.16 percent.

The final unofficial results from the Huron County Board of Elections was 34 votes at 52.31 percent for the tax levy and 31 votes at 47.69 percent against the tax levy.

The total between both Richland and Huron County bring the votes to 76 for the tax levy and 75 against the levy.

There will be a mandatory recount from the Board of Elections.

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.

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

Jamerson previously told Richland Source 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.

Perry Township

Perry Township voters approved a 2.5-mill levy renewal that funds fire and EMS services through contracts with neighboring communities.

According to final unofficial results from the Richland County Board of Elections, 58.17 percent voted for the tax levy while 41.83 percent voted against the levy.

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.

Fry previously told Richland Source since they are a small, rural township they do not have police or fire. This contract allows them to work with the neighboring townships for fire and EMS.

“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.

Springfield Township

In Springfield Township, voters approved two renewal levies — a 0.5-mill and a 2-mill measure — both set for five years.

According to final unofficial results Richland County Board of Elections, 57.04 percent voted for the 0.5-mill levy and 42.96 percent voted against the levy. For the 2-mill levy 55.06 percent voted for the levy and 44.94 percent voted against the levy.

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.

Trustee Paul Gleisinger previously told Richland Source 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.

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

Local Liquor Option

In addition to levy renewals, voters in Bellville approved a local liquor option for the Duchess gas station at  860 State Route 97 W.

According to final unofficial results from the Richland County Board of Elections, 55.99 percent voted yes, while 44.01 percent voted no.

The measure allows the business to sell wine and mixed beverages on Sundays, expanding beyond its current sales.

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

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

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

related content