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 Police Department Funding Outlook Fact Sheet

  • In May 2001, two continuing police issues appeared on the ballot in West Chester. A continuing 4.5-mil replacement levy was approved by voters at that time and a continuing 2.5-mil levy was defeated. In November 2001, voters approved the continuing 2.5-mil police levy.
  • Currently 7 mils are levied to fund the police department. Residents pay $172.19 per $100,000 assessed valuation per year.
  •  In 2001, the continuing levies generated $7.766 million annually and today, bring in $9.924 million as a result of new development. Funds generated by the levies will level off as a result of the community reaching build-out.
  • The West Chester Police Department receives funding from the voter-approved continuing levies, tangible personal property taxes and hold-harmless reimbursement. Additional and minimal revenues come from the JEDD, grants and asset disposition. The department is faced with a 10-percent reduction of revenues as a result of the State of Ohio's abolishment of tangible personal property tax and hold-harmless.
  • The police department's annual budget is approximately $15.85 million.
  • The department has 88 sworn officers and 12 civilian staff. This equates to 1.59 law enforcement personnel per 1,000 residents, well below the average for most Midwest communities.
  • Even with the elimination of budgeted contingencies (allowing for unforeseen or unanticipated situations), the police department funds project depletion as early as 2012.
  • West Chester Township Trustees voted to place a continuing 7-mil replacement levy on the November 2010 ballot. The Board decided to move forward based on information presented at a police funding work session held Tuesday, June 8, 2010.
  • The continuing 7-mil replacement levy will provide funding to maintain an effective level of police services for the community.
  • The replacement levy will generate approximately an additional $3.8 million for the police department annually.
  • The replacement levy is projected to cost residents an additional $42.18 per $100,000 assessed valuation per year.
  • The funding generated will recover funds lost through the abolishment of the tangible personal property tax and cover increased costs as a result of unfunded mandates and operational costs to maintain the current level of services.
  • The police department has accounted for the potential to add no more than 4 police officers over the next two years with passage of the levy. Officers will only be added if necessary to meet changing needs of the community.