CIRCLEVILLE — Voters in Circleville have supported a 0.5% income tax levy that would fund the city’s fire department and road maintenance, according to early returns unofficial results.
The levy, which has 923 votes in favor versus 469 against in the unofficial results, would replace a previous levy that was approved in 2019 and has since expired. City officials say the measure is crucial to maintain public safety and infrastructure.
“Our committee came together with one goal in mind: how do we keep our community safe and focus on what residents deserve? It was easy. We all deserve to feel safe, and residents resoundingly agreed. Our committee worked very hard, along with our front-line fire and EMS employees to lay out the choice to make. We are thrilled it overwhelmingly passed. We thank the voters and taxpayers of Circleville. This is a joint and beneficial win,” says Safety Pac.
Circleville’s commuter tax credit means residents who work outside the city would not be required to pay the levy, officials noted.
Fire Chief Thompson, who has led the department for six years, highlighted the increased demand for services, noting that annual calls have risen 57% during his tenure. Under his leadership, the department has also received new engines and a ladder truck, mostly funded through federal grants, pushing the fire department toward modernized operations.
The levy’s final outcome will be determined after the BOE certifies the election in a week.
