CIRCLEVILLE, OH — Circleville City Council has taken the first step toward placing a new 0.5% income tax levy on the November ballot, with the proposal passing its first reading during Tuesday night’s meeting. The ordinance, which still requires two more readings to be fully approved, aims to address critical funding gaps for the city’s fire department and road infrastructure.
If passed by voters, the permanent levy would increase the city’s income tax from 2.0% to 2.5% — allocating 0.4% for the fire department and 0.1% for road maintenance and improvements. The previous safety levy, which included funding for police and fire, expired in December 2024, leaving a $2.5 million gap in the city’s operating budget for fund 227.
Mayor Michelle Blanton explained that the proposed levy is necessary to maintain emergency services and keep the city’s infrastructure from further deterioration. “This is about ensuring we can continue to serve and protect the people of Circleville,” she said. She also noted that the city also benefited from a $1.56 million SAFER grant in 2022, which allowed for the hiring of six additional firefighters — but that grant expires in March 2026, leaving the city with a future funding cliff.
The two videos below are Mayor Blanton’s presentation in Council Chambers on why the funding is needed.
Council Member Katie Hedges added urgency to the discussion, noting that fire department runs have increased by 57% since 2019, emphasizing the growing demand for EMS services.
Council reactions varied but remained largely supportive:
- Councilman Tom Duvall, the only “no” vote in the first reading, said he supports the need for a levy but advocated for a larger tax split — proposing a 3% share for firefighters and 2% for roads. He stood by his position, stating: “Whatever the decision is, I will totally support.”
- Councilwoman Sheri Theis supported the levy but encouraged stronger investment in streets. “Citizens always ask why the streets can’t get fixed. Unfortunately, it’s hugely expensive, and getting more expensive every year,” she said, adding that a larger streets portion might garner more public support.
- Councilman Tom Kiltzka emphasized the need for public safety: “We hear more sirens now. EMS calls are rising. I support prioritizing the fire department while still acknowledging how costly road repairs are.”
- Councilman John Moats focused on financial transparency. “We must hold ourselves accountable before asking taxpayers for more money,” he said. “But safety and infrastructure are critical, and it will take a tax to support them.”
- Councilwoman Audrey Lukasak, the newest member of council, said she was initially surprised the levy didn’t include the police department, but later understood the reasoning after discussions with the mayor and Safety Director Paul Pride. “I support the 0.4% for fire and 0.1% for roads. But we need a clear, well-communicated campaign to explain the impact.”
Three previous safety levies have failed at the ballot box, with many residents voicing frustration over police department issues and the cost of living. The current proposal excludes the police department, which will instead be funded from the general fund — a key distinction from prior levies Also, this levy would be permanent, while others had sunsets.
Councilman Jeff Hallinin was absent during the vote.
Two more readings of the proposed ordinance will be held in upcoming council meetings. Council during Tuesday’s meeting did request for a special Council meeting scheduled for June 10, 2025, at 6:45 p.m. In order to vote a second time on the levy language due to a short timeline to get the levy on the November ballot. The levy needs three readings to pass; during the next two council meetings, public comment is encouraged.
If passed, the levy will appear on the November 2025 ballot, giving voters the final say.
In the coming months, we will challenge the City to clearly demonstrate to residents the necessity and urgency of the proposed levy. Please contact the page, and we will ask the questions.
