Tuesday, October 29, 2002
INDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
WASHINGTONVILLE -- Village officials aren't asking voters to help them pave the streets with gold. They'd just like to pave them -- period.
Mayor Michael Donnalley, police chief J.R. Blakeman and other village officials hope voters in this village of 789 will approve the 3-mill, continuing levy for police and the 2-mill, five-year operating levy on the November ballot.
Although the ballot doesn't specifically state the operating levy's purpose, it would be used for street improvements and maintenance, Donnalley emphasized.
Village employees have patched potholes and done some other maintenance, but without money available regularly for streets, no paving can be done, Donnalley said.
More police coverage is a frequent request of residents, but Donnalley said the department can't do much more without operating money.
Blakeman is the department's only full-time officer. There are two cruisers available, the older of which was recently donated by the Poland Township department.
"I've already talked to Chief Blakeman about police coverage," Donnalley said. "The officers we have do a good job, but we need to be more visible, especially on the weekends."
Blakeman said if more money was available, he'd have more officers on duty and be able to keep both cruisers on the road.
According to the Columbiana County Auditor's Office, the 2-mill operating levy would generate $12,817 per year. It would cost the owner of a $70,000 home $42.88 per year. The 3-mill police levy would generate $19,226 per year. It would cost the owner of a $70,000 home $64.31 per year.