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Liberty trustees place police levy on ballot

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By Dave Greber, Staff Writer Updated 9:35 PM Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Liberty Twp. voters will decide this November whether to support an increase in property taxes for police protection.

Township trustees on Tuesday, July 21, agreed unanimously to place a 3-mill replacement levy on the ballot this fall.

A ‘yes’ vote means residents would pay an additional $57 per year on law enforcement services provided by the Butler County Sheriff’s Office per $200,000 in home value. If approved, the issue would mean the sheriff’s office would provide an additional deputy to the township every other year through the life of the 5-year levy.

A ‘no’ vote could likely means cuts to the program, which consists of 24 deputies and one detective that specifically serve the township, as funds from the existing 3-mill levy would run dry by next year, according to the township’s most recent projections.

Residents currently pay approximately $127 per year on police services per $200,000 in home value. If approved, they would pay approximately $184 per year.

The township has not seen an increase in property taxes for police protection for nearly a decade.

Liberty residents last approved an increase in property taxes for police services in 2000, when trustees decided to increase a 1.5-mill levy — approved in 1995 — to 3 mills. Each of the past two levies approved by voters — in 2000 and 2005 — have been renewals, meaning property taxes for police services did not increase. In fact, they decreased over time as Liberty’s population increased with more to share the load.

Law enforcement activity has increased over that span, too, with just 2,000 calls for services in 2000 to 11,000 in 2005 to more than 6,650 so far this year.

Trustees had three options going into Tuesday evening: A 3-mill renewal levy, a 3-mill replacement levy or a 3.5-mill replacement levy. A 3-mill replacement levy allows the township to capture future growth as well as dollars from the county’s most recent property appraisal, which broadly showed some increases despite a slumping housing market.

Given current economic conditions, trustees shied away from the highest increase.

“I just feel that these days, people are rightfully very concerned,” Trustee David Kern said. “With a 3-mill replacement … we can provide that (protection) at least at the level we are today, without letting up.”

Trustees are also approaching the next several months with caution, as most believe a ballot issue for Lakota Local Schools is imminent. The township’s fire levy is also set to expire in 2010 as well, providing them the ability to collect through December 2011.

We need to do everything we can to soften this issue for residents,” said Trustee Patrick Hiltman.“... we need to do everything we can to roll this thing back flat, but we can’t operate in a deficit.”

Initially, plans called for an additional deputy each year through the life of the levy. Because the pace of commercial and residential growth has slowed dramatically, though, trustees said such an increase in police presence wasn’t necessary.

Said Trustee Christine Matacic: “I think the 3-mill replacement, right now with the economic times, is probably the best option to go to the public and say ‘This is the best option for providing police protection for you.’”

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I think using stimulus funds for plugging budgets only delays the problem of deficits.

Kevin
8:34 PM, 7/22/2009

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Much of the decision to turn down stimulus dollars was based in Republican Party abstract priniciple rather that a reasoned consideration of what was needed in the economy. It seems the same as my saying I don't like street lights that interfere with my freedom to cross the street at will. I will stand on principle and refuse to accept that they are there. Who wins when I walk out into traffic? Who wins when we pay for the local issue AND pay for the stimulus money too. I will vote pro police.

Leigh
4:20 PM, 7/22/2009

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The federal funds everybody points too may have helped, HOWEVER the reason so many governments (not JUST Liberty) turned them down was the stipulations attached.
You're right Issac Henry, somebody that potentially protects your property, you and/or a loved one should make minimum wage.
Most people that think cops are "sorry ***" can't follow the law and need someone to blame. I support police because I'm law abiding, and no I have NEVER been a cop.

bored
2:28 PM, 7/22/2009

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Go Lib, you are an idiot. The "assault veh" was bought using confiscated monies which by LAW can only be spent on certain things. NO PD budget or gen fund money was used. Patrol playgrounds? Where? "Details" are payed for by companies and communities, not PD or Gen fund dollars. I'm sorry you're too stupid to know a light out becomes a 4way stop. Maybe you'll vote to buy the pd a buckett truck to repair the electric, or be okay they can't help you because they're directing traffic.

bored
2:21 PM, 7/22/2009

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The pay for police officers is not too high. They take huge risks every day with their very lives in order to "serve and protect." The problem is not that their salaries are too high, but that spending priorities are not in order. Our trustees grandstanded by rejecting the stimulus that could have helped the general fund,the fire station; leaving more to support services. It is sad that writers only answer is to cut salaries of people who are far underpaid. Would you do the job for that pay?

Leigh
12:56 PM, 7/22/2009

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