The Franklin County Budget Commission has approved Washington Township’s request to forgo four small permanent fire levies for 2022 that would save Dublin homeowners $34.14 per $100,000 of assessed valuation, or about $102 dollars on a $300,000 valued home. The levies have been present since the early 1970s.
The estimated revenue foregone by the township would be about $3 million. By voting each year to not collect this revenue stream, the township will gradually reduce the township’s all fund balance of $40 million.
“Because of the healthy state of our township and our continued spending discipline over the past several years, we believe we can evaluate the need for these four permanent levies each year,” said Trustee Charles Kranstuber. “I am very optimistic that we won’t have to collect these levies for years to come.”
“Our goal is to reduce the amount collected from the taxpayers until the fund balance is in line with accepted norms,” said Trustee Denise King. “By not collecting the four small permanent levies in 2022 and possibly beyond, the board can methodically reduce the fund balance while keeping enough in reserve to respond to emergencies. We can do this because the board strategically transferred parks, kept staff levels stable, and instituted EMS billing, thereby making this tax savings possible.”
“It’s the right thing to do,” said Trustee Jan Rozanski. “We as trustees will continue to be financially responsible, while also maintaining the excellent fire and EMS services our community is so proud of.”
The Washington Township Trustees passed the resolution in April 2021, and was approved by the budget commission in August.
Posted: 9/20/2021