CIRCLEVILLE, OH — Circleville City Council has taken the first step toward placing a new 0.5% income tax levy on the November ballot, with the proposal passing its first reading during Tuesday night’s meeting. The ordinance, which still requires two more readings to be fully approved, aims to address critical funding gaps for the city’s fire department and road infrastructure .

If passed by voters, the permanent levy would increase the city’s income tax from 2.0% to 2.5% — allocating 0.4% for the fire department and 0.1% for road maintenance and improvements . The previous safety levy , which included funding for police and fire, expired in December 2024 , leaving a $2.5 million gap in the city’s operating budget for fund 227.

Mayor Michelle Blanton explained that

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