Voters asked to pass additional road levy

Leroy Township voters will head to the polls Nov. 5 to decide whether to pass a five-year, 2.5-mill additional levy sought for the improvement and maintenance of streets and roads.

“It’s been over eight years since the Leroy Road Department has seen an increase in its budget,” said Township Trustee Chuck Klco. “During that time, the state has significantly reduced the local government funds and eliminated both the tangible personal property taxes and the inheritance tax. The state Legislature has also lowered or eliminated portions of the utility taxes.

“At the same time, the road department has seen substantial increases in the cost of all materials including salt, road grit, gravel, asphalt and road resurfacing materials. Some of these have doubled in cost during this period making it difficult to make major repairs.”

Passage of the levy would generate $294,210 in annual revenue and cost $87.50 per $100,000 property valuation, according to the Lake County Auditor’s Office.

As of Sept. 13, according to the Lake County Elections Board, there are 2,249 voters registered in Leroy Township.

Klco noted Leroy Township receives less than 16 percent of property taxes paid to Lake County, adding that the amount is divided between the fire and road departments, and the maintenance of the cemeteries and the park.

“The township road budget also covers service department salaries and benefits, equipment costs and repairs, and fuel,” he said. “Due to lack of funds, we are unable to apply for grants that require matching funds, and we are limited to patching our roads instead of resurfacing them. If the levy fails, we will have to continue maintaining them as in the past, and in the long run, repairs will become more costly as the roads deteriorate.”

If the road levy passes, Klco said the township will establish a resurfacing program and aggressively seek state grants that require matching funds.

“We will be able to improve our roads, not just maintain them,” he said.

JONATHAN TRESSLER — THE NEWS-HERALD FILE The view toward the east from the Interstate 90/ Vrooman Road interchange in Leroy Township.