EDISON — Village residents will make a decision on three levies on the Nov. 7 ballot.

Edison Clerk/Treasurer Bruce Seaburn described the levy for current expenses as “the street light levy.” The levy is a 1 mill for 5 years replacement levy. Seaburn said the levy now on the books has stopped bringing in enough money to cover the cost of street lights.

The replacement levy will start to bring in enough to cover Ohio Edison’s price increase.

Seaburn reported that this year $5,084 was received from the current levy. $4,677 has been spent on street lights and electric already with two more months to pay this year. This has been the trend over the past four years with a shortage of the current expense fund each year of several hundred dollars. The expected shortage this year is $600.

• The 2 mill for five years street levy is a renewal levy. It is the same levy the village has had for many years without an increase. This is the main levy that funds the street department. Edison Council members commented that the street department works hard to keep the streets and village cleaned up and are also careful to be aware of costs and keep down expenses.

• The Edison Fire replacement/increase levy of 2.5 mills is for five years. The council said they had no other choice, but to put this levy on the ballot since it is required by the Mount Gilead Fire Department. The Mount Gilead Fire Department requires this levy to pass in order to continue fire protection.

Seaburn noted that if they were to try and contract with other departments, the distance and response time would increase the cost of insurance for homeowners. The tax levy increase is less than the increase in homeowner’s insurance.

• Village council has four seats open. Council member Patti Feustal announced earlier this year she would not be seeking re-election to have more time with family, friends, faith and hobbies.

Other council members just recently announced their resignation. Council member, April Anthony said she is taking over the family farm, which means moving out of the village. Floyd Wogan and Ruth Davis did not file petitions because of health reasons.

Jeremie W. West has filed to be a candidate for Village Council. He is presently a member of the Board of Public Affairs and looks forward to serving the village as a council member.

Attorney, Robert A. Ratliff accepted the position of village solicitor at the September meeting of the Village Council.

Mayor Sandy Ackerman and the Council are seeking persons interested in serving on the Edison Village Council or Board of Public Affairs. Anyone interested should write a letter to Mayor, Sandy Ackerman, Municipal Building, 103 N. Boundary St., Edison, and OH. 43320.

The next meeting of the Edison Village Council is Nov. 13 at 7 p.m.

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By Alberta Stojkovic

The Sentinel