Seneca County election issues explained

Voters across Seneca County are preparing to head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 4, to decide on a range of crucial local issues, including tax levies for essential services, school funding and local commerce. The ballot features two county-wide measures and specific, targeted issues relevant only to certain villages and townships, making it essential for every voter to review their sample ballot before heading to vote. County-wide tax measures All registered voters in Seneca County will consider two separate replacement and renewal measures for county-level services: • Seneca County Health District Renewal: A 5-year renewal tax for the current operating expenses of the Seneca County General Health District. The tax is set not to exceed 0.3 mill for each $1 of taxable value and is estimated to collect $467,913 annually ($8 for each $100,000 of appraised value), commencing in 2026. • Seneca County Parks District Replacement Tax: Voters will decide on a 10-year replacement tax to support the Parks District, benefiting parks and recreation. The rate is not to exceed 0.5 mills for each $1 of taxable value and is estimated to collect $942,310 annually ($18 per $100,000 value), commencing in 2026. Localized tax levies and issues • City of Fostoria (Income tax continuation) The City of Fostoria will vote on whether to continue the existing 1% levy on income to provide funds for: street repair, capital improvements, infrastructure, Kaubisch Memorial Public Library, development, parks and recreation, citywide cleanup and beautification and general fund. • Clinton Township (Three replacement levies for fire and EMS) Voters in Clinton Township will be deciding on three separate replacement levies for fire and emergency services, all for a continuing period and commencing in 2026. These replacement taxes cover the full scope of fire protection, rescue, and EMS operations. Replacement tax (levy 1): Set at a rate not exceeding 0.7 mill, estimated to collect $128,646 annually ($26 per $100,000 value). The funds are for comprehensive services, including fire apparatus, personnel, buildings and ambulance/EMS. Replacement tax (levy 2): Set at a rate not exceeding 0.25 mill, estimated to collect $42,882 annually ($9 per $100,000 value). This levy covers comprehensive services, including fire apparatus, rescue, personnel and ambulance/EMS. Replacement Tax (Levy 3): Set at a rate not exceeding 0.75 mill, estimated to collect $128,646 annually ($26 per $100,000 value). The funds are for comprehensive services, including fire apparatus, personnel, buildings, and ambulance/EMS. This levy has the same rate and purpose as Levy 1, but is a distinct issue replacing a different prior tax. School district income taxes Two school districts are asking for income taxes for current expenses: • Tiffin City School District (New Tax): Voters in Tiffin Ward 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 3D and 4, Tiffin Ward 3C-1, Eden Township North-1, Hopewell Township A-3, Liberty Township-A5, Clinton Township A-1, B, C, D-1, E, Pleasant Township-3 and Scipio Township-2 will decide on an annual income tax of 0.75% on the earned income of individuals residing in the district for 6 years, beginning Jan. 1, 2026, for current expenses. • New Riegel Local School District (Renewal): Voters in All of New Riegel Village, Big Spring Township, Loudon South-3, Hopewell B-2, Hopewell C-2, Seneca A-3, and Seneca B- will vote on a renewal of an annual income tax of 0.75% on the school district income of individuals and estates for 5 years, beginning Jan. 1, 2027, for current expenses. Library funding renewal • Birchard Public Library (10 Years): Voters in All of Green Springs, Adams split 1, and Pleasant Split 2 will decide on a 10-year renewal of a tax for current expenses, set at a rate not exceeding $1$ mill, estimated to collect $1,161,360 annually ($23 per $100,000 value), commencing in 2026. Township current expense renewal • Liberty Township and Bettsville Village: The voters in Liberty Township and Bettsville Village will consider a 5-year renewal of a tax for current expenses, not exceeding 1 mill, estimated to collect $50,369 annually ($24 per $100,000 value), commencing in 2026. Local Liquor Sales Questions Two specific precincts will decide on local option questions regarding Sunday alcohol sales: • Bettsville: Voters in Bettsville will decide whether to permit the Sunday sale of wine and mixed beverages by Beck Suppliers, Inc., dba Friendship Foodstore 77 (carryout/grocery store) at 712 State St. • Tiffin: Voters in Tiffin's First Ward precinct will decide whether to permit the Sunday sale of wine and mixed beverages, and spirituous liquor by Coastal Swing Three, L.L.C., an applicant for a D6 permit operating a bar at 35 S. Monroe St. Election day and early voting information The General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 4. Polls will be open on Election Day, but voters also have immediate options for early and absentee voting. Early in-person voting All early voting occurs at the Seneca County Board of Elections office, located at 71 S. Washington St., Ste. 1101, Tiffin. Voters must present a valid photo ID. The remaining early in-person voting hours are as follows: • 7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.: Monday, Oct. 27 • 7:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.: Tuesday, Oct. 28 • 7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.: Wednesday, Oct. 29 • 7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.: Thursday, Oct. 30 • 7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.: Friday, Oct. 31 • 8 a.m.–4 p.m.: Saturday, Nov. 1 • 1–5 p.m.: Sunday, Nov. 2 (Last day to vote early in person) Absentee and mail ballot deadlines The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Tuesday, Oct. 28, by 8:30 p.m. Applications must be the original paper form and can be printed from boe.ohio.gov/seneca. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3. Drop-off ballots must be received at the BOE office by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day (Nov. 4).