Residents reject Marblehead police levy

MARBLEHEAD — Village of Marblehead residents took to the polls Tuesday, ultimately deciding to vote against a proposed police levy for the second time. Unofficial results from Tuesday's election showed 54% voting against a new five-year tax levy to help address staffing problems within the department. If voters did approve the levy, the owner of a $100,000 home would have paid $52.50 annually. Additionally, the levy would have generated $369,000 annually over the next five years to help support the police department and improve staffing. Marblehead's finance committee chair, Matt Kovach, previously stated that the idea behind the levy was first introduced in early 2023 to address staffing problems within the department. Currently, the police department is funded by the village's general fund, which also covers other essential services, including parks, streets, general maintenance, street lighting, the health department and administrative costs. Due to these tight budget constraints, village officials might be forced to take drastic measures such as dismantling the police department altogether and in favor of developing an agreement with the Danbury Township Police Department to have them provide police services to the village, Kovach previously said, additionally stating that option would save the village over $100,000 each year. The police department currently employs two full-time officers and four part-time officers, while village officials seek to fill two part-time positions. As for what is next for the police department, Kovach said the path remains unclear, and he worries about the possible risk to public safety if the department is unable to acquire and retain officers due to a lack of pay. "There are numerous benefits to Marblehead maintaining control over its own police department, and I believe all of Marblehead's elected officials would prefer that option — myself included," Kovach said. "If we cannot find or retain enough officers, there comes a point where the public safety of our community would be compromised — and I can't say right now where that is." Following the election results, Marblehead Mayor John Starcher said that he and his administration are committed to supporting the police department to the best of their ability. "I was saddened to see that our police levy did not receive the support from our residents that I had hoped for," Starcher said. "I remain committed to getting the funding that our police need to do their jobs effectively, and I will work diligently with my officers, with my council, and with the (residents) to find a way to generate the revenue we need." Village of Marblehead police levy • For: 145 (46%) • Against: 167 (54%) Note: According to unofficial results Source: Ottawa County Board of Elections