Commissioners pass library levy ballot request for May

  • By Dave Mast
  • February 4, 2010
  • 568
                        
Officially, the Holmes County Board of Commissioners passed Resolution #02-01-10-1, declaring it necessary to levy a tax for the purpose of current expenses of the Holmes County Library. But they were quick to add that the levy idea was not theirs, and they were passing the resolution to allow the .8 mill, five-year levy on the ballot because it was mandated by the state. “We are obligated to put this on the ballot because we are required by the state to do so,” said Joe Miller after reading the resolution. “This is not something that the commissioners are putting on the ballot. It is simply passing through us on its way to the ballot in May.” Commissioner Rob Ault said that the commissioners are not coming out and saying that they are officially for or against the library levy, which would generate $606,500 during its first year of collection, but they are doing what is necessary by state law mandates pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code. “The library requested the levy be put on the ballot, and we as commissioners need to pass the resolution allowing their request by law,” said Ault. “This doesn’t just apply to the library, but to any county entity which requests a levy be placed on a ballot. We are bound by law to allow them to run.” So the issue will go back to the voters, where both the commissioners and the library believe the fate of the institution should be — in the hands of the people. “The library is a wonderful thing, and they do a great job there for the people of Holmes County,” said Miller. “We’re not saying that they are right or wrong in placing this levy on the ballot, but it seems as though every time a new levy comes up, we as commissioners get blamed for it.” According to the wording of the resolution, as certified by the Holmes County Board of Elections, the library will reimburse the county for the costs involved in placing the levy on the ballot. Because it is not a special election, the costs are not believed to be as much as the prior year when the library placed an identical levy on the ballot. In other county news, a lease between the Board of Holmes County Commissioners and Holmes County Auditor Jackie McKee was authorized by the commissioners. The lease is solely for the operation of a deputy registrar under contract with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The term of the lease will begin June 27, 2010, and end June 29, 2013. The leased property is located at 75 East Clinton St., Millersburg. A resolution was passed authorizing a satisfaction of mortgage on the home of Bradley and Bonnie Kirtlan. Satisfaction of mortgages are provided to homeowners who have shown good faith in building up equity in their home after going through the Holmes County Community Housing Improvement Program (CHIP).


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