Camden prepares levy renewals for ballot

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CAMDEN — Camden Village Council met for its regular meeting, Thursday, July 21, at Camden Town Hall.

Council received and approved resolutions placing a general operating levy renewal and a police operating levy renewal on the November ballot. Both of these levies were turned down by voters during the last election, causing a great amount of financial strain to the village, according to council members.

Concerning the levies, Councilman Kelly Doran noted, “I just want to emphasize, essentially these are both police protection levies, because the funds that are generated from both all end up in the police budget. There is even more money that comes from the general fund.

“In just doing basic math, each of these levies generate in the thousands — when you do the math per household, it’s 60 or 70 cents per household. It is just a renewal. I want that in big bold print. A renewal.”

Mayor Toni Keesler stressed the importance there is no increase in the amount of the levies, and that the levies themselves have been present for years.

Doran went on to state, “If these things don’t pass, we may be looking at a single police officer in town, maybe. So, we’ve got to get them passed. That’s all I’m saying.”

Council feels optimistic with the proper educational information for voters, the levies will be passed, resulting in a more efficient police department for Camden.

In other business, a member of the police department issued a request to council to approve a new auxiliary officer with the department half time. Council approved the promotion, effective Saturday, July 30.

Camden Village Council meetings are public meetings held on the first and third Thursday of each month, at 7 p.m. at Camden Town Hall.

By Nathan Hoskins

[email protected]

Reach Nathan Hoskins at 937-683-4057 and follow on Twitter @NathanHoskins13.

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