Athens voters weigh combined health levy

Athens County residents will decide on a new health department tax this November.

The Athens City-County Health Department has proposed a single 0.35 mill levy. This measure combines three existing taxes: two at 0.3 mills and one at 0.4 mills. If voters approve the new levy, the older three levies will be removed. Department administrator Jack Pepper told WSAZ that this consolidation aims to simplify the tax structure without changing the total amount paid by taxpayers.

The department has operated under this split levy system for years. Pepper noted that the organization provides a wide range of services, including restaurant inspections and medical clinics. He cited a recent multi-day event as an example of the department’s output. Over that weekend, staff treated more than 500 people. They performed 3,000 medical procedures and delivered roughly $300,000 in services at no cost to participants. Pepper said local tax dollars helped fund the logistics of that event.

Pepper stated that the current funding model allows for timely service delivery. He warned that if the new levy fails, the department may need to cut staff. Reduced staffing could lead to delays in processing requests and delivering care. Some programming might also be reduced or eliminated entirely. Pepper emphasized that the department relies on these local funds to maintain its current level of operations.

The proposed tax is calculated based on property value. To determine the annual cost, a property owner multiplies their property value by 0.35 and divides the result by 1,000. For example, a home valued at $200,000 would generate a tax of $70 per year under this specific calculation method. Pepper said this figure represents the same total tax burden as the current three separate levies combined.

Pepper expressed hope that voters will continue to support the department. He stated that the agency has a long history of providing quality services in the region. He said the department wants to remain respectful of taxpayers’ financial situations. He added that the historical performance of the department should be enough to justify continued support. The ballot measure will be on the November election ticket for Athens County voters.

The health department will use the revenue to maintain its current service levels. Pepper said that if the levy passes, services will continue with little or no change. If it fails, the department will review its staff and programming to find efficiencies. The decision rests with voters who will receive their ballots in the coming weeks.