Website last updated:
10/28/2009 12:16:14 PM
Who we are:
We are a group of concerned citizens who are working to pass Issue 8. Issue 8 is a levy that will help to raise money to keep a constant police presence in the Springfield Township area. Because of severe budget cutbacks at the sheriff’s office, Sheriff Telb is being forced to drastically reduce the number of officers committed to Springfield Township.
Why did this happen?
This levy is being proposed because the Lucas County Commissioners reduced the budget of Lucas County Sheriff James A. Telb. The sheriff was forced to make some hard choices and he decided that reducing the number of patrols in the Springfield Township area was his only option (along with all other outlying townships that depend on the sheriff’s office). The Springfield Trustees were made aware of this decision very late in the summer and as such there was very little time to get this issue onto the ballot. They were able to get the language of this issue approved and were able to get it approved for the November 3 2009 election.
Now What Happens?
Other townships are choosing not to do anything and as such are going to live with drastically reduced service in their townships. We at the Keep Springfield Safe Committee feel that public safety is too important and we are working to get ISSUE 8 passed so that we can continue to get the quality police service that we are all used to. IF THE LEVY DOES NOT PASS EVERY RESIDENT OF SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP CAN EXPECT A DRASTIC REDUCTION IN POLICE PRESENCE IN OUR AREA.
How Much Will Issue 8 Cost me?
The total amount that Issue 8 will raise is approximately 2.4 million dollars per year. This will amount to an increase in your property taxes of about 137 dollars per year, based on a home value of approximately 100,000 dollars. You can visit the AEREIS website at this link to find the value of your home.
If Issue 8 is Passed, What Happens Then?
Springfield Township is in the enviable position of having more than 1 choice when it comes to how to spend the money.
- Option 1 is to continue to use the Lucas County Sheriff. Sheriff Telb has indicated that it will cost Springfield Township about 2.5 million dollars per year in the first year and the sheriff will place up to 2 units in the Springfield area. These officers will stay in the Springfield Township area unless they are called to another township in the event of an emergency or a call of mutual aid.
- Option 2 is to contract with the Village of Holland and their established police force. Mayor Yunkers and Holland’s Police chief have agreed to increase their police force to a total of 5 officers on patrol. 3 will be slated for Springfield Township and 2 will continue to provide the level of protection the residence of the Village are used to. All 5 officers will remain in the Springfield Township area at all times unless there is a call of mutual aid somewhere outside the township limits.
- Option 3 is to investigate the option of starting our own Springfield Township police department. If this is something you are interested in, we strongly encourage you to contact your Township Trustees!
Who Determines How The Money is Spent?
Your Springfield Township Trustees will make this determination after Issue 8 is either passed or turned down. It is up to YOU as a resident of Springfield Township to make your voice heard. Contact your representatives to find out how they intend to use the money, or to ask the prospective Trustee’s who are currently running for the office what their official stance will be.
How Can I Get Involved?
We suggest that you first get ALL THE FACTS and attend one of our upcoming public meetings. We will answer all your questions if we can, or get the information to you if we don’t have all the answers.
If you decide that you are in favor of this Levy and you want to get involved, please contact one of the committee members or talk to one of us at our meeting. You can email us at KeepSpringfieldSafe.org by clicking on this LINK.
Here is a link to the official wording of the levy.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? Try clicking on the FAQ link on the left hand side of this page or send us an email by clicking on the COMMENTS/QUESTION button on the left hand side of the page.
To arrange for a speaker for your community group to discuss the levy you
may contact Tami Norris at 419-574-2699 or tanorris2001@yahoo.com
Help us assist the community by sharing the facts with this printable handout.
Click here for a printable donation form
Please send correspondence and donations to:
Keep Springfield Safe
PO Box 1046
Holland, OH 43528-1046
3631
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