Springfield Twp shoots down 8

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio - Springfield Township registered voters said no to Issue 8. The 4.5-mill levy went down 62 percent to 38 percent.

The levy would have helped keep police officers on the streets, but now, after Jan. 1, there will be no cash to pay for police patrols.

A day after the election, things are up in the air. Trustee Andy Glenn said he will work to come up with options that will keep residents safe.

"I think a lot of people voted against this levy without realizing the importance of it," Glenn said.

Presently the Lucas County Sheriff's Department patrols the township. After the December holiday season, sheriff patrols will be pulled because of budget concerns, unless the township invests in a new $2.3 million 3-year contract.

Glenn said Issue 8 would have helped bring a less expensive option - the Village of Holland - but voters said no. Now, there's no money for either.

"I'm not trying to be an alarmist, but if I was a criminal and I knew there wasn't going to be any patrol cars, I would go there to do my crime," Glenn said.

An option for the future may be to look at the numbers again, to see if there's any way to contract with Lucas County for one deputy to patrol, Glenn added. It would still cost upwards of $380 annually. Glenn, though, wouldn't agree to it unless it's certain that would be for round-the-clock protection.

"The only way I would agree to it would be if there was a guarantee that the deputy would only patrol the township," he said.

If there is no deal by Jan. 1, Glenn suggests township residents should look for other ways to protect themselves, including purchasing a firearm.

Even after the county pulls patrols, the sheriff's office will still respond to 9-1-1 calls, but there is no guarantee how fast someone will get to your door if there is an emergency, Glenn added.