In addition to deciding a new mayor and choosing the fate of statewide issues, Athens voters will have the chance to vote on six local issues: three of which could allow two local bars and a convenience store to sell alcohol on Sundays.
Local issues 15 and 16 deal with Athens County tax levies.
The former is a renewal tax for funds used to support services and facilities for senior citizens in the county. The levy will continue the current tax on residents of $75 for each $100,000 of value for five years.
Issue 16 is the 317 Board levy for a 10-year replacement tax. Residents will be taxed $100 for each $100,000 of value to support the 317 Board, as they currently do. The board is in contract with agencies to plan for and provide mental health, alcohol and drug addiction services for Athens, Hocking and Vinton Counties, said Bill Dunlap, deputy director for the Athens County Board in an email.
Dunlap said he hopes voters support the levy because of a significant need for the Board’s work in the area.
“Statistics show that three out of five Ohioans have a friend or loved one with a mental illness or alcohol and drug addiction problem,” he said. “This confirms the strong need for mental health and alcohol and drug addiction services in our community.”
The remaining four issues deal with local option liquor licenses for Jackie O’s Pub and Brewery, The Union Bar and Grill, and Pete’s BP.
Jackie O’s, 24 W. Union St., and The Union, 18 W. Union St., are both trying to obtain a D-6 liquor license, which would allow them to sell wine, mixed drinks and spirituous liquor on Sundays from 11 a.m. to midnight. The public will get to decide on the bars’ permits because they are located in a “dry” precinct, said Matt Mullins, a spokesman for the Ohio Division of Liquor Control.
Pete’s BP, 542 Richland Ave., is applying for C-1, C-2 and D-6 liquor licenses.
Issue 17 is for the C-1 and C-2 permit, which will allow the store to sell beer, wine and mixed drinks. Issue 18 will allow the gas station to sell on Sunday’s between 11 a.m. and midnight.
ssues 17 through 20 will be a part of a local option election, meaning only people living in the precincts the businesses are in will get to vote on it, Mullins said. Issues 17 and 18 will be voted on in the Athens 2nd Ward 3rd Precinct. Issues 19 and 20 will be voted on in the 3rd Ward 1st Precinct.
ml147009@ohiou.edu
