Merger Commission & Merger Investigation
St. Albans Township
&
The Village of Alexandria
October 15, 2023
A bit of housekeeping…
Agenda for today:
October 15, 2023
You may have seen this article in the Newark Advocate. The headline is a bit misleading.
The ballot language was:
Here’s The Big Take-Away:
October 15, 2023
Who We Are
We are neither proponents nor opponents of the merger; our role is to serve as a bridge between information and action.
The Merger Commission for St. Albans Township and Village of Alexandria is dedicated to steering this process with diligence and respect, ensuring that the community has all information necessary to make a decision about this important matter.
Commission Members
St Albans Township
Ben Zanks
Ann Lodder
Dean Schiller
Elaine Robertson
Dawn Burton
Village of Alexandria
Sean Barnes
Jeff Baer
Cari Meng
Stephanie Taylor
Craig Thorpe
Mission Statement
Our Mission is to Enable Informed Choices for Our Community's Future
The mission of the Merger Commission for St. Albans Township and the Village of Alexandria is to empower our community with comprehensive, unbiased, and thoroughly researched information to facilitate a well-informed decision regarding the potential merger of St. Albans Township and the Village of Alexandria. Comprised of dedicated local individuals, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency, integrity, and community engagement throughout this process.
Our Commitment to the Community
Why Consider A Merger?
We can all agree on one thing: changes to our community are inevitable with new local industries such as Intel, Microsoft, Meta and New Albany Co.
We have an opportunity right now that we will not have in the future to shape this growth into a community we can continue to thrive in and enjoy.
We believe it is vital to take the time and energy to consider all of our options and make the best decision for our community.
Is it possible that we can better shape and control growth if we merge Village and Township? Investigating a merger will help us to answer this question. It is becoming clearer that incorporated land (villages) have more protections than unincorporated land (townships) and are not overseen by outside entities (counties).
What is the Process?
Even further in the future
If a merger is approved via community vote, the transition plans are put into place to ensure a smooth transition. Community input continues to be critical to our future success.
Future Date
IF it is determined by the Merger Commission that a merge is in the best interest of the community, the merger would go up for a vote.
IF a merge is recommended, plans are put into place to ensure a smooth transition IF the voters agree to the merger.
If Merger Commission approved by voters
Commission engages with the community to present research findings and answer questions to reach a recommendation based on facts: �to merge or not to merge.
November 7, 2023
Vote YES to form the Merger Commission to investigate the PROS & CONS of a Merger
We are at the very beginning. �We hope you’ll attend community meetings to discuss the concept of a Merger Commission.
WE ARE HERE
Unbiased Investigation
We approach the investigation of merging St. Albans Township and the Village of Alexandria without any preconceived notions or biases.
Our focus is solely on gathering, analyzing, and presenting accurate and objective data about all aspects of the merger.
Thorough Research
We are committed to conducting thorough research, delving into all pertinent aspects including economic impact, community services, infrastructure, cultural heritage, and more.
Our aim is to uncover a comprehensive picture of the potential outcomes, allowing the community to make a well-rounded decision.
Community Engagement
Recognizing the significance of community input, we actively seek to involve the residents of St. Albans Township and the Village of Alexandria throughout the process.
By hosting public forums, soliciting feedback, and fostering open dialogue, we ensure that every voice is heard and considered.
Transparent Communication
We believe in open and transparent communication at every stage of our investigation.
Our findings will be presented in clear and accessible formats, avoiding jargon and complexities to ensure that the community comprehends the information fully.
Empowering Informed Choices
Our goal is to equip our community with the knowledge they need to make decisions that will impact their future.
By providing unbiased data and diverse perspectives, we empower individuals to actively participate in shaping the destiny of our community.
Frequently Heard Concerns
“Isn’t the Village in Debt?”
The Village of Alexandria is in good fiscal standing.
$37,000 for a plow truck is owed but the loan is interest free and payments are made only once annually. It would not be fiscally responsible to pay this off.
The water and sewer plant debt is managed via monthly bills for those who use the Village water and sewer plant. The base water bill is ~$62 a month + use fees.
Frequently Heard Concerns
“We have a well. If the Township and Village merge, do we have to get hooked into sewer and water?”
The answer is no. An incentive may be offered to residents that have the services running past their properties already to tie-in but it will not be required.
That said, it is a reality that most of the township will eventually have water and sewer running through it as farmland is bought and developed.
Frequently Heard Concerns
“Taxes for the township will go up because currently the township has no earned income tax whereas the village does.”
The Village earned income tax is 1%
Village employees will pay taxes to raise revenue for the Village
Frequently Heard Concerns
“What if we become a city due to the population increase?”
Per ORC 703.01: Municipal areas with 5,000 or more people, according to the last federal census, are cities. This also applies if they have 5,000 or more registered local voters as mentioned in section 703.011 of the Revised Code. If they don't meet this number, they're known as villages. If a city's population drops below 5,000 in any national count, it becomes a village. Conversely, if a village's population reaches 5,000 or more in such a count, it turns into a city.
In addition to the above section from 703.01 of the Revised Code if the most recent general election had more than five thousand resident electors registered with the board of elections or, when more than five thousand resident electors have voted at the most recent general election, in such village, shall become cities.
Per the Licking County Board of Elections:
As growth is experienced, plans can be made to prepare for becoming a city. There will be years to plan and prepare for this transition.
How might we prepare? Applying a 1% income across current Township residents results in a 5% gain in funds across the township. This increase in funds allows us to prepare for eventual city-level funding.
Frequently Heard Concerns
“What does a city have to provide?”
ORC Section 735.01 et. al. A city has to provide a director of public service & safety director (a cost re: payroll/benefits/etc.)
In our early research, everything we’ve seen indicates that cities “may provide” a number of services, but not that they “must” provide anything specific, other than above.
Frequently Heard Concerns
“What happens to the TIF the Township just passed if we merge?”
The TIF would be lost if a merger were to be passed by the community in the future.
That said, another TIF can be added to cover a newly created, larger village (i.e. Township and Village lands).
Frequently Heard Concerns
“What happens to the current government if we merge?”
A temporary government is put in place until new representatives can be elected, usually made up of Merger Commission members.
Frequently Heard Concerns
“What happens to the zoning?”
A Merger Commission Drafts the conditions of a merger, including new zoning maps. It is likely that much of the current zoning would be used to inform this.
Here’s The Big Take-Away:
October 15, 2023