Champion Township voters approve police levy

Voters in Champion Township have approved a new police levy aimed at maintaining the local police department's current operations. The five-year, 1.6-mill levy passed with 873 votes in favor and 673 against, according to final unofficial results Tuesday night.

The additional levy will generate approximately $413,000 annually, costing homeowners an estimated $56 a year for every $100,000 of appraised property value. Township officials say the funding is critical to avoiding department shutdowns or staff cuts.

“The department was going down without it,” said Trustee Chairman Doug Emerine. “If this levy would have failed… that probably would have been the end of the Champion Police Department.”

Emerine said the department had already taken a tax advance to get through 2025 and would not have been able to do so again next year. He added that the township isn’t looking to expand services, just maintain the current level. “We just are trying to maintain the services that we have for the community,” he said.

Vice Chairman Rick York also emphasized the importance of having a reliable police presence. “It’s something that you really don’t think about until you need it — and then when you need it, you want it to be there,” York said.

Both trustees acknowledged some public resistance, citing concerns about high taxes and mixed community sentiment toward law enforcement. Emerine noted that while they’re grateful the levy passed, the close margin signals that some residents may feel financially stretched or lack full confidence in the department.

“We still have some work to do,” York added, but he also pointed out that many residents have had positive experiences. “People were saying they’ve always been professional and courteous when they responded.”

Township officials plan to continue offering transparency as the funds are used. York said he’s open to answering questions in person at township meetings or at the office, adding, “We have nothing to hide.”

21 News is your place for politics. For all of Ohio’s primary results, click the link below.

https://www.wfmj.com/election-results