Scioto County voters were in a mostly generous mood on Election Day, approving the majority of local levies on the ballot. From fire and EMS renewals to road and cemetery funds, most townships will see continued or expanded local services. But two of the three safety levies that Sheriff David Thoroughman publicly urged voters to renew failed to pass.
🔹 Sheriff’s Levies: Two Fail, One Passes
Sheriff Thoroughman had spoken out in support of renewal levies in Nile, Rush, and Washington Townships, saying they were critical to maintaining local deputies and law enforcement presence.
- Rush Township Police Levy — PASSED
Rush Township voters approved their renewal for police services, 317 to 220, continuing funding for patrol vehicles, equipment, and deputy salaries. Rush also passed a roads levy by a vote of 280 to 232.
- Nile Township Police and EMS Levies — FAILED
Voters in Nile Township rejected both renewal measures. The police levy lost narrowly, 166 to 174, while the EMS levy was defeated 144 to 199. Sheriff Thoroughman had noted that Nile’s deputy responded to hundreds of calls this year with an average six-minute response time — a service now in jeopardy unless alternative funding is found.
- Washington Township Police Levy — FAILED
The Washington Township measure, which the sheriff clarified was a renewal despite being listed as a “replacement,” fell 312 to 441. That levy funded deputies who had responded to more than 1,100 calls for service since late 2024 with an average three-minute response time.
“These levies are instrumental in providing added protection in your townships,” Sheriff Thoroughman said ahead of the election. “They allow for increased patrol and law enforcement presence.”
🔸 City and Township Results: Voters Approve Most Measures
Voters across the rest of Scioto County largely supported their local services:
- City of Portsmouth Flood Levy — PASSED (1,035 to 538)
This renewal funds operations, maintenance, equipment, and improvements to the city’s flood protection system. The vote follows resident concerns about potential flooding tied to new riverfront development and the removal of an old floodwall section.
- New Boston — PASSED
Residents approved both a current expenses levy and a fire levy, ensuring continued funding for local operations and fire protection.
- South Webster — PASSED
Voters supported a current expenses levy for village operations.
- Bloom Township — PASSED (233 to 224)
The fire levy renewal squeaked through by just nine votes.
- Brush Creek Township — PASSED
Residents approved both a cemeteries levy (97 to 49) and a park levy (98 to 51).
- Clay Township — PASSED
Both the fire levy (209 to 154) and roads levy (215 to 147) earned comfortable approval.
- Jefferson Township — PASSED
Voters approved both an EMS levy (285 to 180) and a roads levy (257 to 211).
- Valley Township — PASSED
The fire levy passed easily, 259 to 131.
- Vernon Township — PASSED
Both the fire levy (101 to 50) and roads levy (97 to 53) were approved.
🔹 The Bottom Line
While most communities renewed support for essential services, the losses in Nile and Washington Townships could significantly impact law enforcement coverage in those areas. Sheriff Thoroughman’s office had highlighted how deputies funded by those levies respond to hundreds of calls each year and provide rapid response times — coverage that may now be reduced or eliminated unless new funding options emerge.
Across the county, though, the overall message from voters was clear: they’re willing to keep investing in the safety and maintenance of their communities — especially when it comes to roads, fire protection, and flood control.