County officials say the proposal is a renewal of the current tax, not a new tax.
If approved, the sales tax rate would remain unchanged, and the renewal would continue for five years.
The tax was first approved in 1997 and has been renewed every five years since.
According to Citizens for Better Roads, more than $61 million has been invested in county and township roads, bridges, and storm drainage since the program began.
The group also reports that 165 bridges have been replaced or rehabilitated since 1997.
How the Money Is Divided
If renewed, the half-percent sales tax revenue would be distributed among several local needs:
- 25 percent would go toward county roads, bridges and stormwater improvements within the public right-of-way.
- 25 percent would support the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, including public-safety services and equipment.
- 20 percent would fund township roads, bridges and stormwater improvements.
- 20 percent would support city and village roads, bridges and stormwater improvements.
- 10 percent would go toward economic development and land-use planning.
Road and Bridge Improvements
Funding for roads and bridges can be used for resurfacing and rebuilding roads, repairing or replacing bridges, improving culverts and drainage, and completing stormwater projects connected to road infrastructure.
Citizens for Better Roads says the proposed renewal includes plans to maintain at least five inches of asphalt on county roads through additional surface treatments.
The group’s brochure estimates that the county road and bridge program would receive about $980,000 annually. Of that amount, $710,000 is planned for resurfacing, $140,000 for pavement preservation, and $130,000 for bridges.
The funding also helps local governments plan for larger road and bridge projects and address damage caused by heavy vehicles and truck traffic.
Logan County Engineer Scott Coleman & Logan County Sheriff Randy Dodds joined News Director April King on 98.3 WPKO’s show Listen Up! on Sunday morning to talk more about the levy:
Sheriff’s Office Funding
The Logan County Sheriff’s Office would continue receiving 25 percent of the sales tax revenue.
According to information provided for the renewal, the money can support patrol vehicles, communications and technology systems, safety equipment, emergency response operations and improvements to jail facilities.
The Citizens for Better Roads brochure identifies proposed expenditures that include $360,000 annually for cruiser purchases, $125,000 annually for cruiser outfitting and $300,000 annually for 911 operations. Other listed expenses include a jail management records system and security fencing in jail cell blocks.
Township, City and Village Funding
Twenty percent of the revenue would support township roads, bridges and stormwater improvements, while another 20 percent would go toward similar projects in Bellefontaine and the county’s villages.
These funds are limited to improvements within the public right-of-way, according to the information provided by county officials and Citizens for Better Roads.
The remaining 10 percent would support economic development and land-use planning.
What Happens If the Renewal Fails?
If voters do not approve the renewal, the local governments and agencies receiving the revenue would have less money available for the projects and services currently supported by the tax.
That could mean adjusting project plans, delaying improvements, or seeking other sources of funding.
Citizens for Better Roads says renewing the tax would help maintain Logan County’s road system and continue infrastructure improvements.
The group also reports that more than $31.7 million in federal and state grants had been secured for county, township, and village projects through 2025.
What Will Voters See on the Ballot?
The November ballot will ask Logan County voters whether to approve the continuation of the existing 0.5 percent sales and use tax for five years.
The ballot language identifies the purposes as funding county roads and bridges, the Sheriff’s Office, township roads and bridges, city and village roads and bridges, stormwater improvements, and economic development and land-use planning.
The proposal is a renewal of the current tax, and the rate would not increase if voters approve it.
For more information about the road and bridge program, residents can contact Logan County Engineer Scott Coleman at 937-592-2791.
Additional information is also available from Citizens for Better Roads at [email protected].
