Voters approve Delaware County district health levy
In a county where growth and development issues have been a focus of local candidate races, Delaware County voters approved with 62% support a countywide 10-year renewal property tax levy for numerous health and safety programs provided through the Delaware Public Health District.
It was the county's first health levy since the COVID-19 pandemic. And even the health district has faced growth issues, including moving into a new building in the city of Delaware.
With all precincts reporting, the 0.7 mill renewal levy passed easily. It will cost property owners $17 for each $100,000 of appraised value and generate $4.5 million in revenue annually.
To find more election results Update Delaware County election results
"We're so very thankful for our residents. It indicates what we know to be true — that Delaware County values its health services," said Traci Whittaker, district spokeswoman.
The new headquarters is on the site of disgraced televangelist LeRoy Jenkins Healing Waters Cathedral. Jenkins sold water, claimed to have healing powers, that later was confirmed to contain coliform bacteria by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Whittaker said of health inspectors today: "They make sure the water is safe to drink. They don't bless it or sell it for profit."
She cited confidence in the department's mission based on past success.
"We've had the same millage on the ballot since 1984. I think people understand what we use the dollars for."
Health officials have saved revenue from program fees and permits to help move district offices into the new headquarters at 470 South Sandusky Street this year. Current and future levy revenue can only be used for operations and programs, not for new buildings.
The services include nursing and education, food safety septic inspections, vaccinations and health screenings and scores of programs to help lower income and needy residents, among others.
It will begin collecting Jan. 1, 2025.
In local races:
City of Delaware
There were contested races for three of the four city council wards with members serving four-year terms. In the city's 1st Ward, Linsey Griffith defeated Dustin Nanna (70%-30%). In the 2nd Ward, incumbent Adam R. Haynes defeated Leslie Joiner (53%-47%). In the 4th Ward, Kevin Rider defeated Chandler White (58%-42%). All precincts were reporting in unofficial results.
City of Powell
The top three of six candidates vying for City Council were Heather Karr (31%), Tyler Herrmann (18%) and Leif Eric Carlson (15%). All precincts were reporting in unofficial results.
dnarciso@dispatch.com
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Health levy passes easily in Delaware County
