COLUMBIANA COUNTY Hanoverton council weighs police levy

The levy would cost the owner of a $40,000 home $12.06 per year.
By SUE DROTLEFF
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
HANOVERTON -- Village council is considering placing a replacement levy on the November ballot for police department operations.
Councilman David Kiewall explained that the present levy, which is permanent, was first approved in 1976 and generates $2,498 per year for police operations. The village has one employee in the police department, Chief Don Williams.
For 2003, total operating costs for the department were $8,252, which included Williams' salary of $4,400. General fund monies are used to make up the difference between police levy income and the expenditures, Kiewall said.
If voters approved a replacement levy, which would be based on current real estate valuations, the levy would generate $7,384 per year, Kiewall said.
The county auditor's office has estimated that a homeowner with a $40,000 home would pay an additional $12.06 per year if the replacement levy was approved, he noted.
Similarly, the owner of a $100,000 home would pay an additional $30.15 per year.
Kiewall suggested council consider the matter and vote next month on seeking voter approval of the replacement.
In other matters, council is also considering whether to buy flood insurance for village hall. Last year's flooding in July caused extensive damage to the hall, resulting in replacement of paneling and carpeting, in addition to clean-up costs. Also, records were destroyed.
A quote for flood insurance coverage of $103,000 for the building and $20,000 for contents would cost $718 per year with a $500 deductible. The matter was tabled until next month.
Mayor Dan Kibler announced the Hanover Township Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary will sponsor an Easter egg hunt for children up to age 10 living within a 1-mile radius of the village. The hunt will be Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Pelley Park.
Council will again host the annual cleanup in the village May 7-8. A large trash bin will be available at village hall for residents to dispose of unwanted items. Items may be brought as soon as the bin arrives May 7. No batteries, paint, chemicals, LP gas, or Freon appliances will be accepted. The trash bin will be removed from the site by 12:30 p.m. May 8.
Tires also will be accepted May 8, but must not have the rims. Tires are to be brought to village hall and loaded into the village truck, not the trash bin, Kibler said.