SIDNEY — Less than 20% of Shelby County registered voters went to the polls Tuesday.
Of the 32,641 registered voters, only 6,507 cast votes or 19.94%. A total of 5,456 went to the polls on Election Day, while 771 voted by absentee ballot in the board office and another 260 voted by absentee ballot by mail.
Numerous tax issues were on the ballot for voters to decide.
The Perry Post Salem Rescue District 2-mill property tax levy was approved by a 427 t0 188 vote. Funds will be used for providing, maintaining, and operating emergency medical services within the district.
The additional levy will cost the taxpayer $70 per year for every $100,000 worth of property value over the next five years. Based on estimates for 2020 values, the additional levy will bring in an additional $177,570 per year for the squad to operate. Currently, the ambulance board is functioning on a 1-mill levy that generates approximately $65,000 per year to cover their contract with the squad and the expenses of owning and maintaining two ambulances.
The Tri-County Board of Recovery and Mental Health Services .6 mil, 5-year property levy was renewed in Shelby County by a 4,435 to 1,885 vote. In Miami County, the vote was 14,825 votes in favor of the levy and 4,607 votes against, while in Darke County it was 4,280 votes for the levy and 2,049 against the levy. The unofficial total was 23,540 for the levy and 8,541 against the levy.
The Van Buren Township Northwest Fire District voters approved renewal of a 2 mill, 5-year property tax for fire protection. The unofficial tally was 81 for the levy and 19 against the levy.
Washington Township saw the renewal of a .2 mill, 5-year property tax levy. The vote was 164 for the levy and 81 against the levy. The funds from the levy would be used for paying general costs and expenses of operating, providing, maintaining and operating expenses of fire apparatus, appliances, buildings, sources of water supply and materials along with payment of permanent, part-time or volunteer firefighters. Funds could also be used to purchase ambulance or emergency medical services operated by the fire department or firefighting company.
Van Buren Township’s (excluding Kettlersville) 3-mill, 5-year property tax was approved by a 273 to 81 vote. Funds will be used for general construction, reconstruction, resurfacing and repair of township roads and streets.
