The following is a submitted press release regarding the 911 levy that will be on the ballot in Logan County this fall:
________________________________________________
“On behalf of the Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, the collective bargaining unit for the Bellefontaine Police Officers and Dispatchers, we stand against the 911 Levy that is being placed on the ballot for November 4th, 2025.
OPBA stands with the dispatchers of The Bellefontaine Police Department, as this levy was agreed upon and presented to the community by city and county administration without any consideration given to the employees protected by our entity.
Furthermore, residents will see a significant rise in property taxes, increasing approximately $70 per $100,000 of property value in 2025. With each reassessment, property values will continue to rise, and a reassessment is scheduled for 2026. The Bellefontaine Police Department dispatch center is currently paid for through city income tax, therefore, with a failed levy, this will not disrupt the exceptional service already provided by the city.
This levy would mean that the Bellefontaine Police Department dispatch center would cease operation and consolidate with the Logan County Sheriff’s Office. The statement that this would alleviate delays for emergency response times is false. Response times will be alleviated when the NextGen 911 is implemented, as this software will allow all calls mapping in their jurisdiction to be directed to the local dispatch. The significant delay in 911 response is a software issue, not a dispatch center issue, and will be eliminated without the passing of a levy to increase property taxes.
This levy passing does not guarantee job security for the dispatchers that our entity represents. There has been promise that pay and seniority will be honored; however, there is no documented or signed memorandum of understanding that guarantees this. Consolidated dispatch will be run by an advisory board made up of individuals with a vested interest, but the Sheriff will have the final say in decisions. Moreover, this levy was presented without any consultation or consideration of how this will negatively impact the city and the dispatchers that have dedicated their time to serving the city. Speaking of time – Bellefontaine dispatch has over 100 combined years of service. The county has 57 combined years of service. It is no secret that the county has struggled to hire and retain dispatchers for many years.
It should not be disregarded that there is a conflict of interest between Mayor Crissman, who represents the city, and Commissioner Yoder, who represents the county, as they are brothers-in-law. Additionally, Sheriff Dodds and the Service Safety Director Dodds are father and son. Both Commissioner Yoder and Commissioner Fitzpatrick retired from the Logan County Sheriff’s Office. Yoder served as an auxiliary deputy and Fitzpatrick retired as a Lieutenant for the Logan County Sheriff’s Office. We support and represent the dispatchers of the city of Bellefontaine.”
The Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (OPBA) has been fighting for those in law enforcement since 1973.
They provide legal and bargaining representation to their members by employing seasoned and knowledgeable labor attorneys.
The OPBA represents employees of governmental or quasi-governmental police agencies and retirees in the State of Ohio.
This association exists to provide aid, protection, and education.
It exists for the general welfare of its members and their families and for the betterment of the police and people of their communities.
