## Executive Summary
Butler Township officials are requesting a **3.0 mill police levy** on the November 6 ballot. The township warns that without this additional revenue, state and federal funding cuts will force a reduction of over 50% of the current police force by 2015, potentially leaving only one officer on duty per shift.
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## Financial Crisis & Funding Gap
For over a decade, the Township Trustees have used the General Fund to subsidize police operations. However, this is no longer sustainable:
* **Current Subsidy:** In 2011, $300,000 was transferred from the General Fund (a $30,000 increase from 2010).
* **Deadline:** The General Fund can only sustain this subsidy until **2014**.
* **Projected Cuts (2015):** If the levy fails, the township must cut **six police positions**.
* **Service Impact:** Patrol strength would drop from three officers per shift (2010 levels) to just **one officer per shift**.
### Key Quote on Ohio Tax Law:
> "Levies are not permitted to grow with the development of the Township. The other reasons are simply economic factors: it’s the cost of gas, the need to replace vehicles, personnel costs, etc."
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## Rising Operational Costs
The township cites significant inflation in essential services since the last police levy passed in 2006:
| Expense Category | Cost Detail / Increase |
| :— | :— |
| **Fuel** | Increased 60% ($2.50/gal in 2006 to $3.99/gal in 2012); total cost ~$62,000. |
| **Personnel** | $1,265,470 (2012 figures). |
| **Dispatch/Services** | $169,920 in increased contract costs. |
| **Equipment** | $100,220 for bulletproof vests, uniforms, and gear. |
| **Vehicles** | $30,000 to $40,000 annually for purchase and maintenance. |
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## Public Opposition & Criticism
A reader comment from **Benjamin Jones** highlights the community's pushback against the levy, citing a "spending problem" rather than a "funding problem":
* **Capital Spending:** Critics point to a $1.5 million expenditure to buy a new building and $600,000 in related costs.
* **Tax Abatements:** Opponents argue that 20-year tax abatements granted to businesses in the **Miller Lane area** have shifted the tax burden to residents, despite that area generating half of all police calls.
* **Alternative Solutions:** Suggestions include contracting with the **Montgomery County Sheriff Department** for policing to reduce overhead.
> "Folks, Butler Township does not have a FUNDING problem — they have a SPENDING PROBLEM. VOTE NO to the Butler Township Police Levy." — *Benjamin Jones*
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## Actionable Information
* **Election Date:** November 6, 2012.
* **Levy Amount:** 3.0 mill additional police levy.
* **Official Resource:** [www.supportbutlerpd.com](http://www.supportbutlerpd.com) (Note: Link may be historical).
* **Township Contact:** 69 N Dixie Dr, Suite E., Vandalia, OH; Phone: 937-236-4990.