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Warren Township places road levy on ballot

WARREN TOWNSHIP — Township trustees have approved placing a 2.75-mill, 10-year road levy on the November ballot.

Trustee Ed Anthony said the levy will generate $189,000 annually for road projects and day-to-day operations of the road department. The owner of a $100,000 home will pay $96 per year for the levy.

More than 30 residents attended an informational meeting this week on the road levy, expressing concern about the condition of some township roads.

Trustee Ryan Yoho said trustees will let the residents of the community decide whether they want to have their roads paved and improved by letting them vote on the levy.

Road Supervisor Joe Toporcer said there are many roads that have not been paved for years.

Officials said the road department does get funds from gas tax and license plate taxes and a 1.75-mill levy originally passed in the 1970s and a 1-mill levy passed in 2014, but those sources only generate $61,000.

“Our roads are very bad. It is not just one area of the township but several areas where roads need work done,” Anthony said.

He said they have received calls from residents about potholes and major road problems such as Rio Boulevard. The township has been able to get one or two roads done per year with Ohio Public Works Commission funds.

Anthony said to pave Woodside and Brookside drives this year costs $289,000.

He said roads to be paved and repaired are based on their evaluation of their condition which helps in seeking Issue II funds.

“We have to see which roads qualify for any funding.. Every winter goes by and the roads are getting worse and worse. It is becoming pave now or end up paving later. Some roads that are not done will become unsavable,” he said.

Anthony said all townships are facing challenges with their roads.

Trustees said Liberty Township officials took out a 15-year low interest loan to get their roads paved.

Resident Darryl Parker said he is concerned of the large potholes on the road and some roads becoming like dirt surfaces.

“It is like we are living in the horse and buggy age with some of these roads,” Parker said.

Officials said to do work on Rio Boulevard would cost $86,500.

Toporcer said if the road levy does not pass, the township will have to do patching the best they can.

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