Hubbard Township renewal levy benefits police

Staff report

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Hubbard Township voters will consider a 1.75-mill, three-year renewal levy for police on the November ballot.

The levy, which was first approved in 2001, means no new taxes, said township Trustee Tom Jacobs.

In 2001, the tax generated $160,000 annually. Over the years the revenue has decreased to $154,000, Jacobs said, because of foreclosures and declining home values.

He said the levy is needed to ensure continued “top-notch” police services.

“We have to keep up with equipment, payroll and training, and it won’t cost the taxpayers a penny more,” he said.

The tax costs the owner of a $100,000 house $54 a year, he said.

The department has seven full-time officers plus the chief and nine part-time officers.

Full-time officers make $35,300 in their first year; $37,800 in their second year; $40,451 in their third year; $43,246 in their fourth year; and $46,279 in their fifth year, which is top scale.

Part-time officers make $8.50 to $11 an hour, depending on years of service.

Voters will also have to choose from four candidates who are running for two trustee seats.

They are incumbents Joseph F. Gleydura and Jacobs, and challengers Jeffrey Rowlands and Jason Tedrow.