Business committee endorses police, fire levy

By Denise Dick

Township officials welcome the committee endorsement.

BOARDMAN — Saying the cost of not passing a 2.2-mill police and fire levy on the November ballot is higher than passing it, members of a business citizens committee have endorsed the measure.

James Rosa, who leads the committee, announced the endorsement at trustees’ regular meeting this week.

“We realize these are very difficult and uncertain times for all of us,” Rosa said. “However, we must as a community band together and protect what is our home.”

The committee supports the levy and the continued efforts of township government on a plan for Boardman Township that sets goals and timelines for the future — including restoring services, establishing a capital improvement fund and re-establishing long-term stability.

“We believe the potential cost of not passing this levy is greater than the cost of passing the levy,” he said.

The committee’s endorsement is welcomed by township officials.

“This committee represents the other side of the township — the business side,” said Administrator Jason Loree. “It shows that they support the Boardman plan, and it shows that we’ve been working hard to reduce costs and do our best for the community.”

Robyn Gallitto, trustees chairwoman, is also pleased and believes the committee’s endorsement will help the levy’s chances at the ballot.

“This is an objective group of business people in the community,” she said. “They’ve examined our books and operations and can see the need for it.”

The proposed levy would cost the owner of a $150,000 home about $102 per year.

Rosa’s 11-member committee formed earlier this year to make recommendations to trustees. The township has made cutbacks since the failure in November 2007 of a 4.1-mill operating levy.

In February, nine firefighters, 12 road department employees and several other employees were laid off. Also, 13 police officers who have either retired or resigned in the last two years haven’t been replaced.

Firefighters also approved a contract addendum calling for a two-year pay freeze and increasing the members’ health care contribution.

The latest pact between the road department and the township also calls for pay freezes and increased health care contributions from the employees.

The levy would generate about $2 million annually for five years. If it passes, trustees plan to hire between six and 10 police officers and return six laid-off firefighters to their jobs. The number of police hired will depend on the results of new contracts with police unions.