Community Updates: February

COMMUNITY UPDATES

VOTE MAY 6, 2025

Register to vote by April 7
Vote early between April 8 - May 4
Election Day is May 6, 2025. Polls open from 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

VITAL COMMUNITY DECISION TO BE MADE ON MAY 6

Genoa Township voters must contemplate the possibility of permanent closure of their Fire Department if levy funding is unresolved by the end of this year. Response times would be longer from mutual aid partners and household insurance rates may rise. The Fire/EMS Levy provides 98% of the funding to operate the Fire Department and there are no alternative means of financing.

After the levy failure in November 2024, Genoa Township leaders were responsive to the community and made the requested changes:

TERM LENGTH: Revised from continuous to a standard, 5-year.
LEVY TYPE: Modified to a 5.3 mill "Renewal" with 2.4 mill "Increase". The 5.3 renewed portion of millage is assessed on Delaware County Auditor property valuations dating back to 2015, instead of current values.
COST: By retaining a $12.93 state "Rollback" credit, the new levy cost of $199 is reduced to $186.07 annually per $100,000 of Delaware County Auditor property valuation.

The proposed levy is fiscally responsible, covering essential costs to remain operational. The total estimated levy revenue was reduced to $9,489,000. A shorter levy term, reduced carry-over reserves, and cost-saving operational changes during 2024/2025 made the reduction possible.

Proposed funding levels keep pace with the economy to cover expenses including equipment, building maintenance, and the salaries, health insurance, and benefits necessary to attract and retain cross-trained paramedic/firefighters.

Review a side-by-side comparison chart of the proposed, expiring, and failed Fire/EMS Levies.

Levy discussions within online forums often contain errors and incomplete information.

If you still have questions after visiting the Genoa Township levy website, we want to hear from you! Please send a message to @GenoaTwp on any platform and we will make sure you receive an answer. In addition, we will update the website FAQ to share the response with others.

DISTRIBUTION LIST SECURITY

The Ohio Supreme court recently ruled that distribution lists are considered public records as a result of the case, "Hicks v. Union Twp. Clermont Cty. Bd. of Trustees". The ruling has put subscriber contact information in jeopardy of being used without consent.

Email is a low-cost method of keeping residents informed about community projects, but for those whose priority is to limit the spread of their email address, now is the time to consider unsubscribing from government distribution lists, including this one.

Alternative means of staying informed include regularly vising our website, www.GenoaTwp.com, to view social media posts, featured topics of interest, newsletters, and more.

To unsubscribe use the link in the footer below.

IN THANKS TO SUSAN DORSCH

After 24 years of service with the Development & Zoning Department, Susan Dorsch has retired from Genoa Township. Susan was the cornerstone of the department, offering invaluable expertise, institutional knowledge, and continuity as Deputy Zoning Inspector. Her upbringing in Genoa Township paired with her position gave Susan a unique perspective and opportunity to contribute to her community.

Coworkers recently gathered to celebrate her career and wish her the best in retirement.

Thank you and congratulations, Susan!

OMNIBUS ZONING

The Genoa Township Zoning Commission is currently considering regulatory changes to the Township’s Zoning Resolution known as the Omnibus Zoning Resolution Amendment.

Proposed revisions generally fall into one of the following categories: legal consistency, enhancements, modernization, usability, clarification, organization, or administrative clean-up.

To learn about the amendment, what is proposed, and future meeting dates, please visit www.GenoaTwp.com/Omnibus. To provide for a more efficient process, the submission of comments in writing before meetings is encouraged. All officially submitted comments will be considered a public record.

OVER TWO YEARS AWAITING COMPLETION

Purchasing a specialized vehicle is more complex than selecting a sedan off of a dealer's lot. For Genoa Township, this multi-year process begins by carefully monitoring the maintenance needs and expected useful life of existing vehicles. These indicators guide the Township in setting aside funds over several years, ensuring they can meet the upfront payment required by manufacturers at the time of order. Once the order is placed, more than a two-year wait begins as the vehicle is built, inspected, and delivered.

Delivery day finally arrived for Genoa Township Fire Department for a new ladder truck. Ladder trucks are an important tool for firefighters, enabling them to reach emergencies across yards and over obstacles like trees or vehicles. This new vehicle replaces a 2007 model that had surpassed the industry standard lifespan of 15 years. The retired ladder truck will be sold to a small community in southern Ohio.

Township leaders are optimistic that a new levy will be agreed upon by voters allowing the new ladder truck to serve in protecting lives and property for many years to come.

PLOT RENTALS AVAILABLE AT WORTHINGTON GARDENS

Space fills quickly!

Community gardening offers camaraderie among neighbors with similar interests. Rent a raised bed or larger plot and learn from gardening side-by-side with your Genoa Township neighbors.

Prices start at $20.

TEN-WEEK "AGING MASTERY PROGRAM" TO BE OFFERED AT TOWNSHIP HALL

Register to attend the "Aging Mastery Program" through a partnership with SourcePoint. The ten- week course will be offered Wednesdays, February 5 through April 9, 10:00-11:30 a.m. at Genoa Township Hall.

Attendees will receive a workbook that covers the program's core topics: navigating longer lives, exercise & you, sleep, healthy eating & hydration, financial fitness, advance planning, healthy relationships, medication management, community engagement, and fall prevention.

Course fee $40 (scholarships available)

Registration required with SourcePoint.

CITIZEN POLICE ACADEMY

Join the next cohort of the Genoa Township Citizen Police Academy. This free 8-week course is a favorite amongst residents who want to get to know their neighbors and local police officers while learning all about law enforcement. The program will be held Tuesdays, March 4 - May 6.

Space is filling quickly- register today!

www.GenoaTwp.com/PoliceAcademy

COFFEE with a COP OPEN HOUSE

Start your morning with the Genoa Township Police Department on March 15th from 9-11 a.m.

Officers will host an open house event a the police station with coffee, donuts, station tours, touch-a-truck, officer and therapy K9 interactions, and games.