Written by: Zachery Simpkins (zas004@marietta.edu)
Election Day is right around the corner. Although state-wide races have garnered plenty of press coverage, in Washington County, a levy renewal for 911 operators awaits voter opinion.
The 911 levy was first approved in 2016. This levy funds half of the salary of 11 dispatchers at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office — as well as two full-time dispatchers with the Marietta Police Department.
The proposed renewal will collect $539,124 annually, at a rate of 0.35 mil for each $1 of taxable value. This amounts to $12 out of each $100,000 of assessed property value.
Although the Marietta College Police Department does not receive funding through the levy, they will still be affected by what decision local voters make.
“We can be impacted and our students can be impacted if the funding isn’t provided,” MCPD Chief Jim Weaver said.
Washington County dispatchers receive 911 calls from the college campus, then transferring them to MCPD. If the levy does not pass, students can expect an increase in officer response times, Chief Weaver explained.
Ohio’s early voting period ends Sunday, Nov. 1 and Election Day will take place Nov. 3.
Edited by: Jackson Bandy (knb003@marietta.edu)
