LOCKINGTON — A renewal levy to support fire protection in the village of Lockington passed handily by a vote of 23 to 8, Tuesday.

The levy is at a rate not to exceed 2.6 mills for each $1 of valuation, which amounts to 26 cents for each $100 of valuation. The tax will be collected for another five years, beginning in 2017.

“I’m glad the residents of Lockington have recognized how important the fire levy is. It provides fire protection services that help keep the fire department operational. This means things like fuel, gear, training and better and safer equipment. Support of the levy is crucial in that it helps keep the residents safe, as well as the volunteer fire fighters who serve the community,” said Mayor Tracy Johnson.

Johnson admitted that she was not surprised that the levy passed, but that voter turnout was not what she had expected.

“I thought there would be more, what with it’s being a presidential primary election,” she noted. The 31 ballots cast Tuesday represent about a third of eligible Lockington voters.