This November, county residents will have the opportunity to vote on a Logan County Health District operating levy. Logan County Health Commissioner Travis Irvan attended Monday night’s West Liberty Village Council meeting to explain what the issue would mean to voters.
A similar levy was placed on the 2015 ballot and failed.
The proposed levy will be for 1.0 mills, which will generate one dollar for every $1,000 in assessed home value, leading to around $700,000 more a year for the health district.
This would completely eliminate the current $680,000 in inside millage that comes to the health district from the townships, villages and the City of Bellefontaine, allowing those funds to return to the subdivisions. According to Irvan, the money could go toward things like better roads and parks and whatever else the subdivisions need.
“It is truly an investment in the community,” Irvan said. “And it will provide additional funding to let our department focus on more health issues, like chronic diseases.”
Though Irvan said a one-mill levy is hard to quantify, it’s similar to a school levy in that it’s individualized and comes to .001 or one-tenth of a cent. The average, he told the council members, would be about $75 a year per homeowner.
Irvan also updated the council on revised Covid-19 isolation and quarantine guidelines. While isolating for five days is recommended for anyone infected with the virus, those who have been exposed to Covid-19 no longer need to quarantine.
In other council action Monday night:
- Continuing the discussion about allowing chickens in the village, the council decided to move forward with an ordinance. “My first thought was no, we don’t want chickens, but now I’m re-thinking it,” said Councilwoman Jeanette Zerkle. She referred to the numerous towns in the area, like Bellefontaine and Urbana, that allow the birds and haven’t had problems, and added, “I’ve changed my mind.”
- The council passed a first reading of ordinance 2022-14, which will require contractors to register with the village in order to seek work in the community. For a one-time $25 fee, contractors will receive a lifetime registration with West Liberty. “I encourage the council to pass this,” Mayor Jill McKelvey said. “It will give us a way to keep control and keep our residents safe.”
- Councilwoman Jayne Griffith invited Ohio State Senator Matt Huffman to look at the Columbus Street bridge project. “We’re working hard,” she stated, “but we need help.”
- Griffith also said the tickets for dinner “with Bill McKelvey and his sidekick, Jill” have been ordered and will be available for purchase Labor Day weekend at $25 each. “Jill doesn’t know but her picture is on it,” Griffith added, laughing. “Everyone who buys a ticket gets a free picture of the mayor.”
- The council discussed safe parking options for fishermen along U.S. Route 68 just outside of town. The increase of the speed limit there adds to the problem. “We need to promote trout fishing on Mad River,” McKelvey said. “It’s the only natural spring-fed river in Ohio.” Fishing on the river is open to the public as long as the anglers stay on the riverbank. But the lack of parking spots there makes it difficult.
- In other business, the council considered a $4,000 raise for the water/sewer superintendent. This led to a more in-depth discussion on the pay scale and how they determine raises. “We need to make it the same for everyone,” Zerkle said. “It should be evaluated according to the process — the same time every year and all based on job performance and keeping up with standards.” They plan to make a decision by the end of September.
- Nominees for the October Business of the Month are Sweetie Pie’s, Solomon’s Garage and C & R Pharmacy. Michael’s Pizza will be awarded September Business of the Month on Aug. 31 at 4 p.m.
- Labor Day festivities kick off at 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2, with the classic car cruise-in. The parade starts at 10:30 a.m. Saturday morning. For a complete schedule, visit westlibertylions.org.
The next West Liberty Village Council meeting is 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12. This year’s beautification awards will be presented at that time.