Colerain Trustees put "Poison Pill" in Police Levy

"Why would the Colerain Township trustees insist on inserting a "Poison Pill" in the much-needed Police Levy that may deter public support?" asked the director of Greater Community Groups, Inc. (GCG), a nonprofit foundation that serves those nonprofits serving Colerain residents.

Colerain trustees inserted "poison pill" into a much-needed police levy that strips voters of public control over the levy spending.Photo byColerain Police Levy, March 2024

COLERAIN LEVIES.

All levies have a mandated cap on the amount of revenue a levy can produce - and most - specify a termination date, certain. However, Colerain Township trustees inserted language into their most recent police levies that specifies that the levy is continuous - it never ends. This language isn't mentioned in any of the literature or promotions of the police levy. Reporters haven't made this detail clear in their write-ups on the new tax, either.

This tactic was used with the recent Fire Levy, without mention.

This is a permanent levy, too. Trustees have stripped Colerain voters of their power to periodically evaluate whether the township and police department have done a good job spending the money voters approve through tax levies at any point in the future or to adjust the tax levy downward when capital needs are met.

"Colerain Township trustees are "fiscal conservatives" - until they're not,"

said the representative of GCG. The trustees have increased fees and taxes on residents at every opportunity. Despite the "sticker shock" of increased property taxes to fill the void created by a defunding of local jurisdictions for police, fire, and schools, the Colerain trustees have joined the trend to heap expenses on property owners versus lobbying their state officials to require businesses to pay their fair share.

"CONTINUOUS" LEVIES

In November 2023, local jurisdictions within the county put 13 different local levies on the ballot for their cities or townships to fill the funding gap created by our state legislators' tax breaks for businesses. One such tax break waived income taxes on the first $250K in business profits while employees pay earnings tax on every dime earned above the state poverty guidelines.

Local tax levies, historically, last 3 to 5 years. Five of the 13 levies in November were "continuous" levies. This reflects the new trend in local politics to shore up the de-funding of local jurisdictions occurring on the state level and shift the costs to residents of all income levels through property taxes. This practice was condemned and ruled unconstitutional by Ohio's Supreme Court over 20 years ago - but, it persists.

Joe Salvato, running for Ohio House District 29, believes everyone "should pay their fair share"Photo byJoeSalvato29, March 2024

Candidate Joe Salvato for the 29th State District addresses this issue on his website, stating:

The super wealthy, who have disproportionately and economically benefited from the labor of the middle-income and lower-income classes, should pay their fair share of taxes

(State Representative Cindy Abrams (R) did not respond to inquiries on the matter.)

Supporters of the Police Levy claim that Colerain Policing is an essential, long-term need for every community. A permanent levy merely ensures residents that they will continue to benefit from the on-going improvements they know are necessary for a strong, bright future for Colerain.

Par for the Course.

For nearly 2 decades, Colerain Township has systemically removed residents from the decision-making process, as they are doing by placing a "continuous" levy on the ballot which eliminates public redress. The township has no Parks, Safety Services, or Youth Services committees, as it had 20 years ago. Community input is limited to 5-minute public addresses at township meetings. Recently, a group of over 50 residents have come together under the name of the Colerain Community Council, to make residents' voices more cohesive, heard, and effective. The newly formed nonprofit is in the process of appointing Community Council Members from each of its 9 distinct areas and Representatives from the neighborhoods within the larger communities.

The newly formed Colerain Community Council serves as the Chamber of Commerce, but for Residents, for Colerain Township.Photo byColerain Community Council, March 2024

One member stated, "Whether you are for or against the Police Levy, the fact that the term of the levy was never discussed with the public, is a problem. I don't think most residents know this is a permanent levy."

Local levies are intended to empower residents to have some control of their community standards. Continuous levies remove that public control.