NEW PARIS — Residents of the Village of New Paris had the opportunity to vote for an additional tax for the purpose of police protection during the election on Tuesday, Nov. 6, and they did.
The issue passed 58.45 percent to 41.55 percent.
This tax will allow for two mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to $0.20 for each one hundred dollars of valuation for five years, according to the ballot language. The village already has a continuing police levy in effect, for three mills at 1984’s valuation.
According to Mayor Kathy Smallwood, this new tax was to supplement the police department, so they were not relying on the general fund. Before this tax, the general fund was supplementing the police department. The new tax will allow for those funds to be spent on streets, paving, and other projects.
“Most times these things are harder to get through, but we heard more positive things than negative this time. We were surprised and pleased that it passed and by a decent margin. We were happy. It was a heavy turnout of voters, which was a good thing. I think everybody should be pleased with those results,” she said.
“It is a matter of making people understand why you would like to do this and hoping they agree with you. Sometimes people agree, but they worry they can’t afford it. We always think of those people, but we were at a point where we knew we had to do something,” she continued.
“We would like to thank everyone who voted very much. We appreciate the fact that you have confidence in the council and the mayor to do well with the money and that you are pleased with the operation of the police department. This says a lot to them. They try to get out in the community and be visible and helpful to everybody.
“These funds will free up those funds for other things. We have to meet certain requirements for grants – our share – this will make it a little easier to meet those numbers and not worry about taking it from somewhere else. It will help with budgeting. There are a lot of little projects that we have wanted to do, but they have fallen by the wayside, because we didn’t have anything extra.
“We don’t have a lot extra now, and we’re not going to be crazy with it, but this will allow us to work on those projects. We will be able to stick some money aside for other storm sewer things that need to be taken care of. I’m just really pleased with the voter turnout – whether you voted for or against the levy, I’m really glad you voted,” Smallwood said.
