boardman - With the May primary election just over two months away, Boardman Township Trustee Larry Moliterno says residents should not expect any cuts to police and fire services. 

Moliterno told 21 News three renewal levies on the spring ballot are not new taxes, but extensions of existing levies that allow the township to maintain current service levels. 

"The renewal levies that we have on in the spring are no new taxes. It's just for us to continue to provide the services at the same level that we are currently," Moliterno said. 

He described the renewals as critical to sustaining safety services in the township and expressed that the administration is focused on earning voter support.

When asked what would happen if the levies fail, Moliterno said township leaders are not preparing for that scenario at this time.

"We're not even at the point where we're talking about that right now, quite frankly. But just recognize that most of our budget is personnel, and if there is a reduction in revenue, you have to look at where you can make cuts," Moliterno said. 

The trustee declined to specify which departments could face reductions if voters reject the levies. He added that he remains confident the residents will support the renewals. 

"We certainly expect for the people in boardman to support these renewals in the spring, and we'll continue to operate just as we are now. So I don't anticipate that there'll be any cuts," Moliterno said. 

The renewal requests come as a separate statewide effort is underway to abolish property taxes in Ohio.

Township rely heavily on property tax revenue to fund services, including police and fire protection. 

Organizers of that proposal have until July to collect 400,000 signatures to place the issue on the November ballot.