Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman is encouraging voters to approve three township safety levies appearing on the ballot for Tuesday, November 4. The sheriff said the levies are vital for keeping law enforcement and emergency response active in Nile, Rush, and Washington Townships, and stressed that they involve no new tax increases.
“With the upcoming election this November 4th, I wanted to pass on information regarding the Safety/Police levies in Nile, Rush, and Washington Townships,” Sheriff Thoroughman said. “All of these levies are renewals, and there are no additional tax increases. The Washington Township ballot lists this as a ‘replacement,’ however it is a ‘renewal.’”
Thoroughman also shared how much these township-funded deputies have been doing to protect local residents over the past year:
- A Washington Township Deputy responded to 672 calls for service between December 29, 2024, and October 27, 2025, with an average 3-minute response time.
- A second Washington Township Deputy handled 457 calls between February 11, 2025, and October 27, 2025, also averaging 3 minutes per call.
- The Rush Township Deputy responded to 863 calls for service with an average 6-minute response time.
- The Nile Township Deputy maintained a 6-minute average response time as well.
“These levies are instrumental in providing added protection in your townships, adding increased patrol and law enforcement presence,” Thoroughman said.
Washington Township Police Levy
Though the ballot lists it as a “replacement,” Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman clarified that the Washington Township measure is actually a renewal.
- Purpose: Police protection
- Estimated Annual Revenue: $260,605
- Rate: Up to 4 mills, or about $140 per $100,000 of appraised property value
- Duration: 5 years, commencing in 2025, first due in 2026
This levy funds township deputies and helps maintain rapid response times and regular patrols.
Nile Township Police Levy
The Nile Township measure is a renewal, not an additional tax, and supports continued police protection for township residents.
- Purpose: Police protection
- Estimated Annual Revenue: $162,000
- Rate: Up to 3 mills, or about $105 per $100,000 of appraised property value
- Duration: 5 years, commencing in 2026, first due in 2027
This renewal will allow the township to maintain existing deputy coverage and keep response times low.
Rush Township Police Levy
The Rush Township renewal levy continues funding for local law enforcement operations, including vehicles, equipment, communications, and officer salaries.
- Purpose: Police protection and equipment
- Estimated Annual Revenue: $118,310
- Rate: Up to 2.5 mills, or about $77 per $100,000 of appraised property value
- Duration: 5 years, commencing in 2026, first due in 2027
Scioto County Sheriff Thoroughman said the township safety levies have proven their worth through fast response times and an ongoing visible police presence in rural areas.