Qualifying businesses would be eligible for 4 percent savings.
The plan cannot be implemented without voter approval, and on the May 4 ballot, the issue was defeated in unincorporated areas of the county. The city of Springfield, Tremont City and Catawba passed the issue.
Historically, the issue has better success when trustees join the campaign and help educate their specific constituencies, Mizerek said at the meeting.
In the upcoming November election, townships have the option to run individual ballot issues.
The program will also provide one-time grants to the county and each individual township based on the number of participating households.
Customers will have the opportunity to opt out at no cost at the beginning of the program and every three years after for the duration of the nine-year contract.
“People just didn’t know (enough about the program) last time, so with education I think it has a better chance,” said Nancy Brown, Bethel Twp. trustee, whose family in Akron has benefited from the program.
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