In a bid to maintain essential funding for law enforcement, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office is appealing to residents for their support in renewing the Criminal Justice Levy. The ongoing levy, set at 2.75 mills, plays a crucial role in financing a significant portion of the Crawford County Sheriff’s budget.

The Sheriff’s Department operates on two separate budgets: one for jail operations and another for enforcement. The need for the levy became apparent following the economic downturn in 2009, which led to severe budget cuts across Crawford County. In response, the Criminal Justice Levy was successfully passed in 2010, preventing cuts to essential services for residents.

The renewal of the levy is projected to generate approximately $2,604,000, while the estimated cost of the enforcement budget for 2024 stands at $3,510,786.50. If the levy is not renewed, the potential consequences for law enforcement in Crawford County are dire, especially with ongoing challenges posed by drug-related issues.

“The Sheriff’s Office is actively involved in the METRICH drug task force and is committed to combating drug availability and holding traffickers accountable,” said Sheriff Scott Kent. The importance of this fight against drugs has been underscored by nationwide trends, prompting a proactive approach from local law enforcement.

The effectiveness of the levy is reflected in crime statistics over the past decade: From 2013 to 2023, burglaries in Crawford County plummeted from 157 to just 12, reflecting a 92% decrease. Thefts also saw a significant decline, with incidents dropping from 240 to 73, marking a 69% reduction. Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office has seized 354 firearms connected to crimes or illegally possessed by drug traffickers during this period.

In 2023 alone, Crawford County Dispatch received a staggering 19,061 calls for service, including 10,487 wireless 911 calls, demonstrating the ongoing demand for law enforcement and emergency services. The dispatch team also supports 11 fire departments, EMS, and the New Washington Police Department.

Sheriff’s officials noted that during the last levy renewal ballot, several residents expressed concerns about not seeing the measure on their voting ballots. They are urging community members to remain informed and engaged to ensure the continued support of vital law enforcement services.

For more information about the Sheriff’s Office and the impact of the Criminal Justice Levy, residents are encouraged to visit crawfordcountysheriffohio.com