Vote FOR Issue 4!
Issue 4 Overview
Sugarcreek Township is a beautiful, growing community with an excellent quality of life – in large part because of our high-quality services, including police and safety services. Issue 4, the Sugarcreek Township Police levy on the May 2nd ballot, is the first additional police funding request in 13 years. It is needed to keep Sugarcreek safe and protect our community’s quality of life.
Sugarcreek Police are there when we need them.
- They respond to our calls for emergencies, nuisances and concerns.
- They patrol our neighborhoods to make sure we’re safe in our homes.
- They keep our roads safe by monitoring and enforcing traffic laws.
- They make our students safer with school resource officers.
- They protect our businesses and deter crime with a regular presence.
Sugarcreek’s population has grown, but our Police Department has not.
- Since 2010, our population has increased by 33% (from 7,500 to more than 10,000).
- Since 2014, calls to Sugarcreek Police have increased 500% (from 7,200 to 37,000) – more than 100 per day. Staffing levels have not increased.
- We need two additional full-time officers: one to accommodate our growth and one to work as a full-time Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools resource officer.
Inflation has increased, forcing our Police Department to do more with less.
- Personnel, fuel, technology, health insurance, and equipment costs all have increased.
- The department has delayed an order of new cruisers and equipment due to rising costs.
- Dispatching charges have more than doubled in cost since 2013.
- It has been 13 years since our last new levy request for police services.
Issue 4 is a small taxpayer investment and a major community benefit.
- Our police go the extra mile by conducting house checks, building relationships with our youth, and helping local families in need with programs like “Shop with a Cop.”
- This 1.5-mill police levy costs less than $4.40/month per $100,000 property value, as appraised by the county auditor.
- It will generate $750,000 in funding solely dedicated to the Police Department.
Resident Testimonials
When we were looking for a community to relocate to 19 years ago, we wanted a small community with a great school system and, of course, a place where we felt safe raising our children. We found exactly what we were looking for in Sugarcreek Township. We routinely see the Sugarcreek Police patrolling our neighborhoods, and we fully support them and appreciate all that they do to keep our neighborhoods safe and quiet. Please join us in voting FOR for Issue 4.
Burt & Roxann Hagler
ResidentsSugarcreek gives us the best of both worlds: The beautiful, wide-open spaces of a rural area combined with easy access to the amenities in Bellbrook and Centerville. During our 24 years here, my husband and I have appreciated the Sugarcreek Police Department’s dedication to keeping our quiet community safe by patrolling our roads and watching over our homes. We’re voting FOR Issue 4 so our police can continue to make Sugarcreek one of the best places to live in Ohio.
Karen Meyer
ResidentWhen we started our family, we chose to put down roots in Sugarcreek. We moved here five years ago for the great people, excellent schools, and safe neighborhoods. We wholeheartedly support Issue 4 because a strong, well-funded police department is critical to maintaining and protecting the things we value most in the community we call home.
Andy & Britt Platt
ResidentsWe moved to Sugarcreek Township in 2013 understanding that the closeness of the community and the responsiveness of the public safety go hand in hand. We are also local business owners who are dependent on highly skilled personnel with service vehicles constantly in motion. With the post COVID economy, costs have greatly increased within homes and businesses in so many areas. Vehicle cost and acquisition, repair and maintenance, and retention of skilled employees is a top priority for any entity wanting to stay on top. Knowing that the Sugarcreek Township Police Department has not asked for more operating capital in 13 years despite the growing needs, I would be concerned if they weren’t granted more funding to operate. Join us in voting FOR Issue 4!
Michael & Jennifer Ayers
ResidentsAs longtime residents of Sugarcreek Township, and retired employees of the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office, we fully support Issue 4 and the Sugarcreek Police Department. We have one of the most professional and diligent law enforcement agencies in the county whose officers are dedicated to keeping our neighborhoods and community safe. Please join us in supporting our police and a Safe Sugarcreek by voting FOR Issue 4!
Mark & Jeannette Adkins
ResidentsI moved here 27 years ago because it is an exceptionally safe community. That’s why I support Issue 4. I also support the levy because our police department currently receives funding from a levy passed 13 years ago. Think about the cost of running a department in 2010 compared to today. If we expect our police to continue to provide the highest quality of protective services for our community and our school children, and expect to remain competitive in attracting high quality police candidates, we need to vote FOR Issue 4.
Denise Moore
ResidentI have been a resident of Sugarcreek Township for the last ten years. I have been so impressed with the work the Police Department does each and every day. From protecting our schools to patrolling our streets and neighborhoods, they work diligently and respectfully to ensure all of our safety. The funding of our local police department remains critical to the success of our incredible community. Let’s continue to do our part and Vote FOR Issue 4.
Adam Stone
ResidentAs a resident of Sugarcreek Twp and a retired law enforcement officer, I recognize the need for a professional police department that is dedicated to our community. The Sugarcreek Twp Police Department has my total support on Issue 4!
Bruce May
Resident & Retired Police OfficerAs a resident of Sugarcreek Township for over 30 years, I value the Sugarcreek Township Police Department. They keep us safe and are a very well-run organization. This upcoming levy is critical for them to handle the growth that the township has experienced. My family will be voting FOR the levy, I encourage you to do the same and ask your neighbors and friends to do the same, the Sugarcreek Township PD deserves our support.
Marty Grunder
Resident & Local EntrepreneurMy wife and I recently moved to Sugarcreek Township to build our forever home and we love living here. It is a small-town life and everyone has been so nice. We know in order to maintain all of the comforts of our home and community, it requires constant efforts to keep that going. Part of those efforts involve supporting our Sugarcreek Police Department and making sure they continue to receive our support so we can continue to enjoy the comfort and security of living here for the long-term. Please support Issue 4.
Jeff Stapleton
ResidentAs a long-time business owner, I’ve come to learn a few things. Making an investment in a vital service, such as the Police Department, is both necessary and important to long-term community and security. More importantly, my family and I have had the good fortune to live in Sugarcreek Township for over 35 years. The health and safety of our families, especially our children, is essential. Please join me in supporting Issue 4.
Larry Connor
Resident & Local Entrepreneur
FAQs
A: Population increasing and service decreasing could affect home values. Response time to calls-for-service will increase. Resources to the school would be jeopardized.
A: The levy will cost taxpayers $52.50 per $100k in home value each year.
A: The $1.5 million levy will generate $750k yearly for the police department. See full breakdown of fund allocation here.
