Early voting for the May 2 special election begins on April 4. The last day to register to vote for this spring election is April 3.
RELATED: Middletown senior services renewal levy to appear on May ballot
Central Connections Executive Director Monica Smith said the levy is needed to help continue to pay down on the mortgage on the building so the agency can concentrate on serving the public. The organization had a 1-mill, five-year levy on the ballot in 2012, which was overwhelmingly supported. The intent is to not have to go back to voters at the end of this levy, she said.
The five-year, 1-mill renewal levy, which won’t raise taxes, will continue to cost the owner of a $100,000 home less than $30 a year. It’s designed to generate roughly $662,000 a year.
The Middletown organization offers meals with the Council On Aging, offers home-delivered meals and transportation services, and helps connect seniors to social service agencies.
“These are services that I think a lot of people are unaware of that are coming out of this building, and these are services that we need to keep alive,” Smith said. “These are services that no one else can provide.”
Middletown’s 60-and-older population is currently at 16 percent, Smith said, and that’s projected to be at 20 percent in the next five years.
RELATED: 3 questions about Middletown senior services levy
Warren County Community Services is moving its Meals on Wheels program to near Atrium, but it won’t be servicing Middletown, Smith said. That responsibility remains with Central Connections, 3909 Central Ave., she said.
Central Connections receives funding from the Council On Aging, the United Way and the Butler County Elderly Services Program, and while that is enough for its operations — Smith said “we can make it work” — that’s not enough to cover the debt on the building that still has a $1.6 million mortgage.
“Barely, we stay alive,” said Smith if the levy is approved.
REGISTER TO VOTE: Register online to vote today
—-
EARLY VOTING
Early voting in the May 2 special election opens on Tuesday, April 4. Here are the in-office early voting hours at the Butler County Board of Elections.
- Beginning April 4, early voting is held during the week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday.
- Extended office voting hours are from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. beginning on Monday, April 24 through Friday, April 28.
- Weekend voting days are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 29 and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 30.
- The last day to vote early is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, May 1.
Source: Butler County Board of Elections
About the Author
