Scioto County voters sent mixed messages at the ballot box Tuesday night, rejecting levies tied to police and fire protection while approving measures connected to EMS services, roads, cemeteries, and senior citizens.
The biggest headlines of the night centered around two public safety levies that failed:
- Green Township Fire Levy — FAILED
- Washington Township Police Protection Levy — FAILED
Meanwhile, voters approved:
- Washington Township EMS Levy
- Scioto County Senior Citizen Services Levy
- Brush Creek Township Roads Levy
- Rarden Township Cemetery Levy
🚓 WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP POLICE LEVY FAILS AGAIN
The Washington Township Police Protection levy may be the most significant result politically and practically.
Voters rejected the measure 381 to 339.
That’s despite a major push by David Thoroughman, who spent weeks explaining why he believed the levy mattered.
The sheriff argued many residents misunderstood the levy the first time it appeared on the ballot last fall.
Back then, the measure failed 441 to 312.
According to Thoroughman, confusion may have centered around the wording.
The previous levy appeared as a “replacement” levy instead of a “renewal,” even though officials said it was not intended to raise taxes the way many voters assumed.
WHAT THE LEVY ACTUALLY DID
Many residents asked a simple question:
“If we already have the sheriff’s office, why do we need a township police levy?”
The sheriff’s answer was about dedicated coverage.
The levy funded deputies assigned specifically to Washington Township.
Without that money, those extra deputies disappear, and the township falls back into the general county patrol pool.
THE NUMBERS THE SHERIFF POINTED TO
According to the sheriff’s office:
- Washington Township generated 6,081 calls for service in 2024 and 2025 combined
- Countywide calls topped 42,000 during the same period
- The sheriff’s office normally staffs only about 15 road deputies countywide across three shifts
And sometimes even fewer are available because of:
- Court transports
- Sick leave
- Vacations
- Inmate movements
The sheriff also said township deputies handled:
- 5 shootings
- 20 shots-fired or person-with-a-gun calls
- 25 burglaries in progress
- 32 prowler complaints
- 119 fire-related calls
- Hundreds of warrants and civil papers
RESPONSE TIMES NOW A BIG QUESTION
The sheriff warned response times could increase if township-funded deputies are removed.
Right now, dedicated deputies reportedly average around four-minute response times in Washington Township.
Without them, calls may wait for the nearest available deputy elsewhere in the county.
That could especially impact more rural stretches near places like State Route 239.
🔥 GREEN TOWNSHIP FIRE LEVY ALSO FAILS
Voters in Green Township also rejected a fire levy.
Results showed:
- 353 against
- 266 for
That defeat raises questions about future fire funding and staffing in the township.
👵 SENIORS, EMS WIN SUPPORT
While police and fire struggled, voters strongly backed services for seniors and EMS coverage.
The Scioto County Senior Citizen Services levy passed comfortably with:
- 5,431 votes for
- 3,790 against
Washington Township voters also approved the EMS levy 422 to 294.
👀 WHAT THIS ALL MAY SIGNAL
Tuesday’s results suggest voters may still support essential services—but are becoming increasingly selective about taxes tied to law enforcement and fire protection.
And in Washington Township, the debate may not be over.
Because now comes the real question:
What happens to coverage when the dedicated deputies are gone?
