How could the 911 tax levy renewal affect Mark Warden?
Sheriff's office staffing depends on 911 tax levy renewal The renewal of the Washington County 911 tax levy, which is scheduled for the November 3 ballot, directly impacts the operational budget of the Sheriff's office. The levy collects an estimated $539,124 annually, which is used to fund 50% of the salaries for 11 dispatchers at the Washington County Sheriff's office. If the levy is not renewed, the funding for these critical dispatch services could be jeopardized, potentially leading to cuts in staffing, as noted by Douglas Moore.
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How it reaches Mark Warden
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A renewal for Washington County's 911 tax levy is scheduled to be placed on the ballot for voters this November. The levy, which was first approved in 2016, collects an estimated $539,124 annually. Douglas Moore, executive director of 911 services, stated that without the funding, it would be difficult to predict what services could be maintained.
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The levy specifically funds 50% of the salaries for 11 dispatchers at the Washington County Sheriff's office. Moore stated that without this funding, it would be hard to tell what could happen, and the only place cuts could occur would be in the number of employees.
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The facts so far
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- The levy collects an estimated $539,124 annually.mariettatimes.com
- The levy covers about a quarter of the costs, which were approximately $2.2 million in 2025.mariettatimes.com
- The money funds 50% of 11 dispatcher salaries at the Washington County Sheriff's office.mariettatimes.com
- The levy renewal will be on the Nov. 3 ballot and would be in place for five years, commencing in 2026.mariettatimes.com
Why it matters
The 911 levy is critical to maintaining the quality and efficiency of emergency services in Washington County. The funding supports not only the Sheriff's office dispatchers but also provides resources for the Marietta Police Department (software licensing, equipment, maintenance) and the Belpre Police Department. Moore described the service as providing quick, accurate, and trained dispatchers who give life-saving instructions over the phone before help arrives.
Mark Warden, as Sheriff, oversees the agency whose operational capacity is directly tied to this funding. The levy ensures the county can employ good people and maintain the necessary equipment and software. If the levy fails to renew, the Sheriff's office faces a potential reduction in its staffing levels, which could impact the quality of emergency response provided to the community.
What we don't know yet
- What are the specific alternative funding mechanisms if the levy renewal fails?
- How many dispatchers are currently employed by the Washington County Sheriff's office?
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Reporting
- mariettatimes.comOct 10
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