Community Updates: November

COMMUNITY UPDATES

ELECTION DAY IS NOVEMBER 5

Polls open 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

FISCAL OFFICER NOTE

When voters approve a property tax levy, they are also establishing the legal guidelines for use of that revenue. For this reason, funds cannot be transferred, for example, from police to fire, or from fire to maintenance.

At any given time, a large portion of the Township's funds have already been encumbered, or reserved, to compensate staff or to pay a bill for a project that is already underway.

Without realizing these facts, fiscal reports may confuse readers into thinking the Township has "savings" or excess revenue.

As I mentioned in my previous newsletter article, levies are thoroughly reviewed by stakeholders, including resident advisory committees, to ensure they are appropriate to fund necessities, not generate excess. All of your elected officials, and many of the Township's own staff live in the Township, adding further vested interest in taxing only at necessary and appropriate levels.

On average, 16% of residents’ property tax bill contributes to Township services. The majority supports local school districts and the remainder goes to Delaware County agencies, and local libraries.

- Patrick Myers, Fiscal Officer

FIRE/EMS

The Board of Trustees has already taken the necessary steps to rescind the current Fire/EMS Levy for its final year (2025) to avoid duplication of taxes should the proposed levy be passed by voters on November 5.

The Fire Department has been operating without an increase in the Fire/EMS Levy for nearly ten years despite a rapidly changing economy.

To remain solvent and provide stability for the department, a continuous levy is proposed at a rate of 7.0 mills, which amounts to $245 for each $100,000 in valuation. The net yearly increase is $143.36 for each $100,000 in valuation.

$245 (proposed new levy cost) - $101.64 (current levy cost) = $143.36 (net yearly increase)

ROADS AND BRIDGES

The Roads and Bridges Levy is a replacement and decrease of the levy at a rate of 1.89 mills, which amounts to $66 per year for each $100,000 of the county auditor's appraised value.

The fund allows the Genoa Township Maintenance Department to care for the community's 94 miles of local roads and their associated drainage. Work involves repaving roads, asphalt and concrete repair, culvert and storm sewer maintenance, upkeep of ADA ramps, removal of fallen trees and debris, roadside mowing, shoulder maintenance, and snow removal.

More than $1 million in grant funding supplemented the current levy to complete major improvements to Highland Lakes Avenue, Mount Royal Avenue, and Big Walnut Road.

ELECTION INFORMATION

Election Schedule

November 3rd: Last day the vote center is open

November 5th: All polling locations open from 6:30am to 7:30pm

View a sample ballot for your address and find your polling place online at the Delaware County Board of Elections.

ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS

Thanks to the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities, grant funding was used to improve building accessibility at Township Hall. Automatic door openers have been installed in addition to a hearing loop system that is now available for use at public meetings.

Hearing Loops allow people who wear hearing aids to directly receive the sound from the Township's sound system in their hearing aids.

LEAF DISPOSAL

Residents who wish to have their organic yard waste (leaves, branches, grass clippings, etc) composted may drop off material during the month of November in the marked dumpsters located at the maintenance facility located just beyond the Fire Station.

Please no pumpkins or plastic bags, pots or tarps in the dumpsters. Contamination may result in the load being refused by our composting partner.

Proof of residency required.

"CLAMSHELL" PLASTIC CONTAINERS NOW ACCEPTED AT THE CURBSIDE

Rumpke will begin accepting "clamshell plastic containers" starting November 1, 2024. This includes clear plastic carry-out containers,

fruit, berry and lettuce containers, and plastic egg containers.

RUMPKE HOLIDAY SERVICE DELAYS

Rumpke recycling and trash collection will shift to Saturday as a result of the following holidays:

Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024: Collection delayed until Saturday, November 30, 2024

Christmas Day, December 25, 2024: Collection delayed until Saturday, December 28, 2023

New Year's Day, January 1, 2025: Collection delayed until Saturday, January 4, 2025

PARK IMPROVEMENTS

A variety of new amenities have been added to Township Parks recently:

Cornhole game boards have been installed at McNamara Park and Freeman Park (bring your own bean bags!)

Resurfacing of lot at Freeman Park

Slide added to young children's playground at Hilmar Park

Tree plantings at various parks

Find a park activity that interests you using our Activity Directory or interactive map.

HOW TALL THIS FALL?

Residents expressed their interest in continuing family traditions from Freeman Farm after Genoa Township takes possession in 2025. In response, staff created a replica of the "How Tall This Fall?" photo backdrop and installed it at McNamara Park for the entire month of October.

This is the last weekend (November 2-3) to take your photo with the sign before it is put back in storage until next year.

Learn more about Freeman Farm

MOBILE HEALTH CLINIC TO VISIT TOWNSHIP

Healthcare doesn't get more convenient than a visit from the Delaware Public Health District's Mobile Clinic.

Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 | 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Heritage Christian Church

7413 Maxtown Road

No appointments are necessary!

Services:

Receive a flu shot or other vaccination.
Get your blood pressure checked.
Screen glucose and cholesterol.
Receive free Narcan to add to your first-aid kit.
Portable cribs available for clients who are in their third trimester or have a child under the age of one who do not have a safe place for their infant to sleep.