Levy in Liberty would fund local 911

LIBERTY — Some township officials want to keep 911 service local, but township and Trumbull County officials are discussing what will happen if the township is forced to join the county system for financial reasons.

Liberty Township currently spends about $290,000 annually to operate its 911 emergency call service. Township trustees will be placing a 1.25-mill, five-year renewable operations levy to cover 911 emergency call expenses on the November ballot.   The levy will cost a homeowner with a $100,000 home about $45 annually.

The county has asked the township to join its 911 system at a cost of $123,292 to the township. Police Chief Anthony Slifka has repeatedly said he is not interested in joining the county system for 911 operation, but Trustee Gary Litch said the township must make plans in the event the levy is rejected.

“We need a levy to pass for us to continue this service. If it doesn’t pass, who is going to be responsible for continuing this service? It’s great to have if we can afford it, but if the levy doesn’t pass who is going to pick up the cost?” Litch said.

For the full story, see Thursday's Vindicator and Vindy.com