Letters: Residents urged to support renewal levy for Granville cemeteries on May 2 ballot
As the May 2 primary election approaches, we urge Granville citizens to vote “Yes" on the renewal levy for Granville cemeteries. This is a renewal, not a new tax. Since 1958, Granvilleans have funded cemetery maintenance via levies. The current 0.5 mill was voted in 2008 and renewed in 2012 and 2017. This is the year to renew! The care of Maple Grove and Philipps cemeteries and of the historic Old Colony Burying Ground is at stake.
The renewal levy is a 0.5-mill property tax with an effective rate of just 0.38 mill, due to HB920 (Ohio legislation that reduces the impact of inflation on property values). It will generate about $172,000 annually, which will be used for costs of maintaining cemeteries: utilities, insurance, grounds, equipment, roads, and compensation of two full-time employees and part-time help. That’s a lot of value for the cost.
Because they pay this tax, residents in Granville Village and Township pay reduced rates for cemetery plots. Our cemeteries are beautiful, park-like havens where citizens can enjoy nature, history, and remembering loved ones. But the main argument for voting “Yes” rests on our civic responsibility to maintain these public grounds that serve our community so well.
The last time it was renewed (2017), the levy was approved by 74.9% of voters. Please join us this year in again resoundingly supporting the renewal levy for Granville cemeteries.
Lyn Boone, Sally Schaadt, Norm Kennedy, Brian Walsh
Committee for the Renewal of Granville Township Cemetery Levy
Newark donut shop lauded for generosity
In todays society, when too little "good" goes unnoticed or unappreciated, I'd like to acknowledge a remarkable act of generosity.
Owner/Operator LeRoy, at the Jolly Pirate Donuts at 175 S. 30th St. in Newark, offered an amazing promotion for the young people of this community.
Tied in to coincide with spring break, a free donut and drink of choice was offered to the youngsters just for the asking!
As a regular customer, it was heartwarming to see daily the facial expressions and hear the excitement in the children's voices as they picked out their favorite donut from their (soon to be) favorite donut shop.
I applaud Leroy and his staff for the generosity, commitment and for how these young people were treated so nicely.
Truly, LeRoy is a model business owner within the community.
Joseph Albanese, Granville
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This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Letters: Residents urged to back renewal levy for Granville cemeteries
