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For many years now, Wintersville has been considered to have a police department that ranks among the best for communities around the region.
Village residents have the chance to help ensure that will continue when they cast their ballots in the Nov. 5 election. They are being asked to approve an additional 5-mill continuing levy to help pay for police protection. It's important that they say "yes."
Passage of the levy will help ensure residents will continue to receive the 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week protection from the department and service they have come to expect.
Having officers on constant patrol through the village's many neighborhoods helps to keep them visible, and allows for interaction with members of the public. Plus, it helps to cut down on response time, which is critical when there is an emergency.
That's something that builds trust and confidence in the department, and helps to make the community a safer place to live in, worship in and do business in.
The added funding also could help the village find ways to retain more officers. It's a fact that many village and township departments can often be seen as a training ground, a place where young men and women who are interested in a career in law enforcement learn and hone skills that they then take to larger departments, where compensation is greater.
Being able to offer higher pay and benefits could help to slow that trend.
Continued service and protection, however, comes with a price attached. According to the Jefferson County auditor's office, the levy, if approved, would mean residents would pay $175 for each $100,000 of assessed property value. That would generate $437,000 per year for the department, which has a budget of $866,121. And it would be in addition to the three existing levies that generate $186,766, money that goes toward operation of the department and pensions for officers.
It's a cost that is worth paying. Providing the village with the money it needs to hire and retain officers and making sure they are well equipped and well trained is an investment that will allow the community to remain attractive to current and potential residents, as well as those who own businesses or are considering opening a business there.
When you add it all up, it makes sense for Wintersville residents to say "yes" to the police levy.