Path Watch to enhance safety on city's multi-use pathways
“Path Watch” has been launched in Westerville, representing a new program to organize and empower citizens to recognize and report suspicious activity on the city’s multi-use paths in an effort to prevent crime. The Westerville Police Division and Parks & Recreation Department have partnered to develop this citizen initiative that will operate much like a Neighborhood Watch. Like a watch, the crime prevention portion of the program enlists the active participation of citizens in cooperation with the police to identify and reduce crime on or around the pathways, which include bikeways and leisure paths.
“The paths and trails in Westerville are among the most utilized and appreciated resources in our community, and as more people take to the outdoors this spring and summer, we’re going to be out there with this new corps of volunteers,” says Westerville Police Chief Joseph Morbitzer. “Path Watch gives us an extra set of eyes and ears in multiple locations around the city, adding to the team that works to keep these areas safe, clean and enjoyable for our residents and visitors.”
Path Watch seeks to introduce residents and path users to one another and create a network that helps police and parks staff monitor, maintain and coordinate enforcement in these areas. Participants will have access to crime prevention training and education to aid in the recognition and reporting of suspicious activity.
The initial information/orientation session was held in March, and attracted residents citywide. For more information, or to get involved, contact Carrie Ryan, Division of Police, at 614-901-6490. For a detailed map of trails, including path mileage and connectors, visit www.westerville.org under “City Departments, Parks & Recreation.”
VOTE ON MAY 4
Exercise your right to vote on Tuesday, May 4. Information on Issue 20, the fire and emergency medical service operating levy, can be found online at www.westerville.org.
Fire levy important to Westerville and township residents
On May 4, residents of Westerville and Blendon Township will see one fire and emergency medical service issue on the ballot to support the ongoing operations of the fire division. The facts on Issue 20 (Westerville) and Issue 27 (Blendon Township) are as follows:
• A 2.60-mill operating levy for fire and EMS operating costs projected through the next six years.
• The last fire levy, passed in 2002, was extended funding by two years beyond its proposed six-year cycle due to prudent fiscal management.
• This operating levy will not add new personnel, facilities or equipment.
• Passage assures continuation of current service levels through 2016.
Residents currently pay approximately $207.27 per $100,000 of market valuation annually for fire protection. This proposed operating levy would increase property taxes by $79.63 per $100,000 residential valuation.
Note: Tax applies to the “assessed value” – not the “market value” – of residential property. The assessed value is 35 percent of the market value by state law (plus additional deduction totaling 12.5 percent as part of a state property tax roll-back and homestead exemption).
Passage of this levy is vital to the overall operation of the fire division. Through sound financial management, prior voter-approved funding has been extended years beyond projections. For more information, contact the Westerville Division of Fire at 614-901-6600 or visit www.westerville.org to access “Frequently Asked Questions” or an online levy calculator.