Tuscarawas County election results: Fire issues approved, police and road taxes fail
NEW PHILADELPHIA ‒ A few voters decided a small number of issues in villages and townships in Tuesday's primary election.
Strasburg voters rejected by a 197-129 vote a 3.7-mill, five-year additional levy for police protection, according to unofficial results from the Tuscarawas County Board of Elections. It was the second ballot appearance for the issue, which voters also rejected in November.
Also going down to defeat was a 0.5% income tax increase requested in Port Washington, which was to have targeted road maintenance and repair. The issue failed by a 10-to-44 vote.
Votes were tied at 27 on a 0.6-mill, four-year renewal levy for maintaining Union Cemetery in Port Washington.
"We are not done with the election," Gail Garbrandt, director of the elections board, wrote in an email.
She said the agency needs to count 19 provisional ballots and any absentee ballots that arrive postmarked by May 1. The elections board will officially certify results May 15.
"If the levy remains tied it fails ‒ there are no recounts on issues, only candidates," Garbrandt wrote.
Voters approved two money issues: a 1-mill, five-year replacement levy for fire equipment in Warwick Township, including the village of Tuscarawas, and a 1.5-mill, five-year levy for fire protection in Bucks Township, which consisted of a 1-mill renewal and a 0.5-mill increase,
The Warwick Township issue passed with a 59-to-31 vote. The Bucks Township issue was approved 11 to 6.
Issues on ballot in May 2 primary elect: Tuscarawas County Board of Elections rejects candidate's petition for May primary
Fire levy: Warwick Township seeking replacement levy for fire equipment
Primary election issue: Port Washington seeks income tax increase for road paving
Seven liquor options for Sunday sale of alcohol were on the ballot.
Breitenbach Wine Cellars locations in Dover and Sugar Creek townships received voter approval to sell beer and liquor, in addition to wine, throughout the week, including on Sundays. Owner Duke Bixler said the request was made in response to requests to have beer, liquor and mixed drinks at weddings.
BellStores locations in New Philadelphia and Strasburg received voter approval for local liquor options allowing Sunday sales of wine and mixed beverages, Similar issues were rejected for BellStores in Bolivar and Sandy Township.
The Zoar Market in Lawrence Township received approval for Sunday sale of wine and mixed beverages.
Reach Nancy at 330-364-8402 or nancy.molnar@timesreporter.com.
On Twitter: @nmolnarTR
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Tax issues decided Tuesday in villages and townships
