The Logan County Board of Elections reports that a total of 3,193 total ballots, out of 32,489 registered voters in the county, or 9.83 percent, were cast in Tuesday’s Primary Election May 6.
Of those voters, 1,885 cast ballots on Election Day, while early in-person ballots totaled 1,156 and there also were 152 absentee ballots cast.
In the only contested race in the county, Devin Palmer won the nod as the Republican candidate for Bellefontaine City Council’s 1st Ward, defeating Silas Augsburger 88-69 (56.05 percent-43.95 percent), according to unofficial results from the Board of Elections. Palmer will face Democratic candidate Sarah Lewis in the November Election.
Two issues were on every ballot in the county. The 0.25-mill replacement property tax levy for the Logan County Historical Society passed comfortably, 1,844-1,324 (58.21 percent-41.79 percent), according to unofficial results. State Issue 2, a constitutional amendment to fund public infrastructure capital improvements by permitting the issuance of general obligation bonds, passed both in Logan County by a 1,986-1,167 (62.99 percent-37.01 percent) margin and also passed statewide.
The historical society’s levy pays for the day-to-day operations, maintenance and upkeep of the Logan County History Center. The issue is a five-year property tax that will collect approximately $390,000 per year over the term of the levy.
In closely-watched results for three levies in southwestern Logan County, all three passed with healthy margins. DeGraff passed a 0.75 percent income tax levy for fire protection 146-51 (74.11 percent-25.89 percent), while Miami Township’s 4 mill property tax levy for EMS passed by a similar large difference 229-89 (72.01 percent-27.99 percent), and a 4-mill property tax EMS levy for Pleasant Township levy also passed by a wide majority, 123-47 (72.35 percent-27.65 percent), all according to unofficial results.
Riverside EMS and Miami/Pleasant Township trustees issued a statement via social media Wednesday, May 7, thanking voters for their strong support, and also noting that the levy does not take effect until 2026. Until the end of 2025, EMS services will still be operating under the same budget/members as Riverside EMS has and with assistance from other agencies.
“On behalf of Riverside EMS and Miami/Pleasant Township trustees, we want to sincerely thank everyone who voted in support of yesterday’s EMS levy. We believe this marks a bright future for our community, and we greatly appreciate you recognizing the need for reliable emergency services.
“We understand that no one likes to see their taxes increase, but this was a necessary step to ensure a dependable response when you or your loved ones call for help. We are fortunate to live in a great community, and your support means everything to us.
“To those who may have voted against the levy or spoken out against it in recent months, we hope that if the day comes when you need emergency assistance, you’ll appreciate the importance of those who stood behind this effort. We are confident you’ll see the value of having staffed, responsive EMS services and how it will serve the best interests of your friends, neighbors, and family.
“At the end of the day, our top priority is getting help to people as quickly as possible, and we are truly grateful for the support our community has shown.”
The DeGraff Fire Department also issued a statement Wednesday via Facebook regarding the passage of the fire protection levy.
“On behalf of us all at the DeGraff Fire Department, we would like to sincerely thank the members of our community for their overwhelming support in the successful passing of the Fire Levy last night. It truly means the world to us to know that the people we serve every day believe in the work we do and see the importance of investing in the future of our department.
“We are honored and privileged to serve such a caring and supportive community. Every vote cast in favor of this levy was a vote for the safety, well-being, and future of DeGraff and its residents. We want each and every one of you who supported this effort to know how deeply grateful we are — from the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
“Our mission has been to provide the highest level of fire services possible to the deserving people of this community. Over the past couple years we’ve worked tirelessly to improve our training, equipment, and operations to better serve you. The passing of this levy marks a significant step forward in that mission.
“With your support, we now have the opportunity to begin addressing one of our most urgent needs: replacing our current fire station, which has long been in disrepair due to ongoing structural issues. This new building will help ensure that our firefighters have a safe, reliable, and efficient space to operate from — ultimately allowing us to better protect and serve this community for years to come.”
West Liberty voters approved a five-year, 0.8-mill renewal levy for current operating expenses for the village, 91-55 (62.33 percent-37.67 percent), according to unofficial totals.
Rushsylvania voters passed a five-year, 3-mill property tax for operating expenses by the slimmest of margins, the measure being approved by just one vote, 16-15, out of a total of 31 votes cast on the issue, all of which were cast on Election Day, according to unofficial results.
The only issue that failed in Logan County Tuesday was a measure allowing the Logan County Commission to aggregate the retail electric loads in unincorporated areas in the county, excluding Rushcreek Township, the issue going down by a 817-749 (52.17 percent-47.83 percent) margin, according to unofficial results.
