ASHLAND — City of Ashland residents have voted to renew a five-year, quarter percent renewal income tax for safety force personnel.
The levy renewal was passed with 6,223 votes (72.81 percent) in favor of the renewal, according to final unofficial election results posted by the Ashland County Board of Elections Tuesday night.
Ashland Fire Division Chief Rick Anderson is nothing but grateful for this renewal.
“It’s fantastic,” he said. “The guys are doing their jobs and that’s what we need. I can’t say enough about the support of the city. It’s just amazing the support we’ve gotten.”
The tax dollars are used for employing and equipping the police and fire personnel.
“It’s increased us from 33 to 37, so we’ll be able to employ those four personnel which is huge for us,” Anderson said.
The renewal of the levy means that the department is able to remain at full staff.
Similarly, the Ashland Police Division (APD) uses levy funds to maintain its staffing level. Funds go towards hiring and equipping up to 32 officers.
