Clark, Champaign County voters to decide on local races

While residents will go to the polls to elect a new governor, attorney general and make other important state decisions, local ballot questions and races in Clark and Champaign counties will also be put in front of voters on Nov. 6.

MORE: Election 2018: Biggest races in Clark and Champaign counties

For instance, United Senior Services is asking voters to approve a new levy to help fund their in-home service programs.

“We’re doing the best we can at meeting the demand for our in-home services, such as providing personal care aides, meal deliveries and transportation, but our resources cannot keep pace with the growing population,” said Maureen Fagans, USS executive director and CEO. “The fact of the matter is we will not be able to maintain our existing level of service as this population continues to grow without additional funding.”

The proposed $1.4 million levy will cost the owner of a $100,000 home approximately $4 per month and, if passed, will take effect Jan. 1, 2019. The agency’s existing $1 million levy will expire at the end of 2019, resulting in a one-year overlap between the two.

Springfield voters will be asked to decide if fluoride should be added to the city’s water, while voters in New Carlisle will decide whether they are willing to pay more to support its library.

“An additional tax for the benefit of New Carlisle Public Library for the purpose of current expenses at a rate not exceeding .9 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to $.09 cents for each $100,000 of valuation for five years commencing in 2018 first due in calendar year 2019,” the ballot will read.

Harmony Twp. will have levy money put toward cemetery maintenance if approved and voters in Green Twp. will have to decide whether or not to approve new money to go toward supporting emergency services personnel.

Clark County voters will also get an opportunity to vote on candidates.

In the 74th district, voters will decide between Republican Bill Dean and Democrat Anne Gorman. In the 79th district, voters will get to pick between Republican Kyle Koehler and Democrat Amanda Finfrock.

READ: Ohio Election 2018: Where do I vote?

All Clark County voters will have a choice to vote in the commissioner race. Democratic Seth Evans will seek to knock off incumbent commissioner and Republican Rick Lohnes.

In Champaign County, Urbana voters will again vote on whether to approve a city levy.

“Shall the ordinance providing for a 0.6 levy increase on earned income for the purpose of increasing funds solely dedicated to public safety (police/fire/ems) operating and capital improvements and sustaining these services effective Jan. 1 be passed,” the ballot question states.

Urbana voters defeated a similar levy in May, when 66 percent of voters rejected it. In that election, officials asked for an increase up to 2 percent.

Champaign County voters will also decide whether to approve $1 million levy for the local children services and the care protection and placement of children.

Graham voters will also head back to the polls and decide on another school levy. Graham is asking voters to approve a 1 percent earned income tax levy.

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