SUGARCREEK TWP., Greene County — A large Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools “Vote Yes” sign has been vandalized along Feedwire Road and police are aware of the act.
“We are aware of this,” said Sugarcreek Twp. Police Chief Mike Brown. “As of now, a report has not been filed.”
>> Bellbrook schools asking residents for additional tax money on May ballot
The vandalism is the latest in what has been a divisive campaign season in the city and township.
On March 23, a post was made on the “Vote No” Facebook page, showing a “Vote No” sign covered in pink paper reading “Stafford Jewelers” along Possum Run Road. John Stafford has been a key organizer for the “Vote No” campaign.
Also in March, Bellbrook city officials removed several dozen political signs connected to the upcoming May tax levy for Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Local Schools after they were found to violate ordinances in place.
“We can’t control it in people’s yards, nor would we, but when they’re in the right of ways we have to take action,” said Bellbrook City Manager Melissa Dodd.
Around the same time the City of Centerville removed 48 political signs that were found in violation of its city’s ordinance near the Cornerstone of Centerville development on Feedwire Road.
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Since then, a number of political signs showing support both for and against the levy have popped up around the city and township.
Sugarcreek Twp. officials have said they’ve received complaints about the signs, however the township doesn’t have an ordinance that prevents them from being posted.
“Statutory townships in Ohio are limited in our powers and we’re not granted the authority to pass that kind of restriction,” said Sugarcreek Twp. Administrator Barry Tiffany. “We’ve taken a position as a township for at least a decade, maybe two now, that we don’t get into the political fray of the signs as long as they are placed where they don’t create an unsafe environment for travelers.”
Just last week, a standing-room-only crowd filled the Bellbrook school board meeting, the last before the May election.
“I think emotions have run a little off the rails,” said realtor Greg Blatt Thursday night.
The replacement levy, if passed, would cost property owners an additional $211 annually per $100,000 appraised value of property, the Greene County Auditor’s Office said.
“I’m all for good schools” Blatt said. “I think it’s important. But there comes a time when funding schools needs some fiscal responsibility.”
Others voiced their support of the levy.
“If we don’t follow through on this levy, the school district is going to slide,” said Aaron Fromm, a history teacher who also has children in the district.
Superintendent Doug Cozad has said the district was already able to trim approximately $500,000 from the budget this past summer and had hoped to avoid going to voters to ask for additional funds.
