Bainbridge Township Voters Weigh $105 Annual Property Tax for Police
A 3-mill levy would fund the local police department indefinitely, costing owners $105 per year for every $100,000 in appraised value.
By Alina Campbell ·
Bainbridge Township residents will vote Tuesday on a permanent property tax increase to support the local police department. The proposed measure, known as Issue 12, is a 3-mill continuing levy designed to replace the current funding mechanism for the force.
If voters approve the measure, the township would generate an estimated $2,539,972 annually. Property owners would pay $105 per year for every $100,000 of appraised property value. Collection on the levy would begin in 2026, with the first payments due in 2027. Unlike the previous funding structure, this new levy has no expiration date and will continue indefinitely unless changed by future voters.
Police Chief Jon Bokovitz stated that the department requires the funds to maintain operations, describing the current financial situation as being “out of money.” The township’s existing police levy, approved by voters in 2016, expires this year. That previous measure was intended to fund operations for eight to 10 years and increase staffing from 20 to 25 officers. The department reports that it has reached that staffing goal.
Bokovitz clarified that Issue 12 would maintain current services rather than add new personnel or create major new programs. He noted that the ballot language lists vehicles, communications equipment, buildings, personnel costs, and ambulance services. However, he specified that the money would cover only police operating costs. The levy would also maintain the two Flock cameras currently installed near the Geauga Lake shopping plaza, which Bokovitz said help solve retail theft cases.
Not all residents support the increase. Sean Davis, a homeowner in Bainbridge Township for more than 20 years, said he opposes the levy. Davis argued that homeowners must constantly cut budgets to make ends meet and questioned whether the department needs its current staffing structure, specifically citing the number of administrators and detectives.
The ballot language defines the scope of the levy as funding for police department vehicles, communications equipment, buildings, other equipment, personnel costs, and related expenses. It also references ambulance and emergency medical services operated by the police department. The measure will determine the long-term financial commitment of the township to its law enforcement agency.
