Norwich trustees move ahead with police levy and authorize Motorola 800 MHz radios tied to Hilliard dispatch

Norwich Township trustees spent much of 2002 debating how to secure reliable police protection for unincorporated residents and how to modernize emergency communications. The board moved forward on two linked steps: placing a 2.8‑mill police levy before voters and authorizing a county‑compatible radio system.

On Aug. 16 trustees adopted a resolution declaring the necessity of an additional, continuing 2.8‑mill ad valorem levy for police protection in the unincorporated township. The board requested that the Franklin County Auditor certify the township’s current tax valuation and the revenue the levy would generate. The motion set an election date and asked the auditor for the formal certification required under Ohio Revised Code procedures for submitting levies to voters.

Separately, the trustees authorized purchase of an 800 MHz radio communications system manufactured by Motorola. The board found Motorola equipment to be the only system compatible with the county‑wide communications network and waived competitive bidding on sole‑source grounds. The purchase (recorded in the minutes at $791,627) was tied to a dispatching agreement with the City of Hilliard; trustees said they would sign the Motorola agreement once Hilliard approved the dispatching contract.

Why it matters: The levy would add recurring local tax revenue to pay for expanded police coverage in the unincorporated township. The Motorola purchase aims to align township fire and EMS radios with the City of Hilliard and county‑wide systems, improving interagency coordination but committing substantial funds.

What’s next: The township sought the county auditor’s certification for the levy and awaited Hilliard’s approval of the dispatching agreement to finalize the Motorola purchase.