BELLVILLE — Residents of Bellville will decide on two renewal levies at their local polling places next month.
One generates about half of the funding needed to maintain the village cemetery. The other makes up about a quarter of the village police department’s budget.
Both levies are already in place; renewing them would raise taxes.
“Our goal is to maintain a cemetery that reflects the pride of our community”
The 2-mill cemetery levy generates $83,572 a year — about 49 percent of the cemetery budget. It costs taxpayers $70 for every $100,000 of their property’s appraised value, as determined by the county auditor.
Richland County residents can find the county auditor’s appraised value for their property using this online tool.
If renewed, the village would continue collecting the cemetery levy for an additional five years, starting in tax year 2027 (first due in 2028).
The village cemetery encompasses approximately 40 acres, divided into two sections off State Route 97. Combined, the two sites include approximately 9,680 grave sites and serves as the final resting place for 5,585 individuals, according to village fiscal officer Amanda Perry.
Perry said cemetery operations and maintenance falls under the domain of the village utility department, which consists of six full-time employees and two seasonal employees.
“This approach allows the Village to coordinate personnel, equipment and resources across departments rather than maintain separate staffing and equipment exclusively for cemetery operations,” Perry said.
Perry said if the levy doesn’t pass, the village would have to reevaluate cemetery operations, reducing maintenance and services toward the minimum levels required under Ohio law.
Perry said the village has not sought additional funds for the cemetery, even after adding 19 acres in 2020.
“Our goal is to maintain a cemetery that reflects the pride of our community and provides a peaceful, respectful resting place for loved ones,” she said.
“Maintaining those standards requires ongoing attention, staffing, equipment and financial resources,” Perry added. “This levy renewal supports our ability to continue those standards as the cemetery grows and maintenance demands increase.”
“Providing around-the-clock police coverage requires substantial investment”
The second renewal levy up for consideration is 3-mill levy for the village police department. The funds generated by the levy are used for operating expenses like salaries and benefits, maintaining the police station and equipment, including patrol cars.
The levy generates $142,536 annually — covering approximately 26 percent of police department budget. The department also receives funding from mayor’s court receipts and the village’s general fund.
The levy costs taxpayers $105 for every $100,000 of their property’s appraised value, as determined by the county auditor.
If renewed, the village would continue collecting the police levy for an additional five years, starting in tax year 2027 (first due in 2028).
The Bellville Police Department currently includes seven full-time officers, including a school resource officer at Bellville Elementary, plus a part-time clerk.
The department provides 24/7 coverage, according to Chief Jon Fletcher
Chief Jon Fletcher said if the levy doesn’t pass, it would create a significant financial challenge and could potential lead to “adjustments” in staffing, equipment replacement and services.
“Providing around-the-clock police coverage requires substantial investment in personnel, training, vehicles, equipment, communications and other essential resources,” Fletcher said.
“The Village remains committed to protecting the public peace, health, safety and welfare of its residents and hopes that residents value it as much as we do to continue supporting this levy.”
