By Anna DeWine
BEAVERCREEK TOWNSHIP — Voters will see Issue 14, a 0.9-mill additional continuing levy that would maintain and expand police services, on their on the Nov. 8 general election ballot.
The last time a levy was on the ballot for police services in the township was 1978. The township currently funds police services through three continuing property levies, two from 1976 and one from 1978.
“To keep the same level of services, we need to ask for an increase,” Beavercreek Township Trustee Carol Graff said. “A 0.9 mill increase will keep services as is and hopefully allow us to modify and expand as necessary. This is a very modest request.”
Currently, the township does not have its own police department. The Greene County Sheriff’s Office Beavercreek Township Sub-Station provides police services for the area.
The level of service currently provided includes four deputies that are specifically designated for the township, as well as their vehicles, equipment, and the sub station, which is located in the lower level of the fire station.
If the police services levy passes, the levy will maintain the current level of service and staff as well as expand the operations and services. This is done through a contract with the Greene County Sheriff’s Office.
According to Graff, the residents of Beavercreek understand the need and appreciate the services.
“Our people have been very pleased with the service provided by the sheriff’s office,” Graff said.”Our people like the deputies. They talk to them, they know them by their first names, and I think they’re greatly appreciative of their services.”
Township Administrator Alex Zaharieff believes that the request for additional money is due to the growth of the township.
“We want to keep the same level of service the community has experienced for 38 years,” Zaharieff said. “We are one of the fastest growing townships.”
One expansion of the service that is necessary, Zaharieff said, is the number of deputies. Extra patrol is needed during peak times of the day, as well as during events, including extra undercover work, extra officers, and K-9 units.
If the levy passes, homeowners with a $100,000 home value will pay $31.50 per year. If passed, the annual proceeds estimated stand at an additional $238,000.
If the levy doesn’t pass, the trustees will have to negotiate with the sheriff’s office about what can be provided, which may lead to a cut in services.
