Commissioners support Light Ohio Blue campaign

Harrison County Sheriff Mark Touville appeared before the county commissioners seeking a stamp of approval for the annual Light Ohio Blue campaign honoring police officers who have died in the line of duty. The campaign, which is now 11 years old, encourages the public to turn their exterior lights to blue that will last from May 6 to May 16. Touville said the county has participated in the tradition for the past eight years.

“It’s in honor and remembrance of fallen officers…who have come before us,” Touville explained. “I’m ecstatic and proud to be a part of that Light Ohio Blue.”

Commissioner Dustin Corder proceeded by reading Resolution 33-26 acknowledging to honor those fallen heroes followed by the board’s unanimous approval.

“This annual campaign unites communities across Ohio in support of law enforcement, remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and standing behind those who continue to protect and serve thought the Buckeye State,” the resolution stated in part.

The death of Columbus SWAT Officer Steven Michael Smith, a 27-year veteran on the force at the time of his death while serving an arrest warrant, triggered the movement after federal agent Bill Swank launched “a grassroots effort to light Columbus blue during National Police Week,” according to the website lightohioblue.org.

The board gave approval for another resolution, 34-26, “declaring the necessity to levy a tax in excess of the 10-mill limitation.”

“This board determines and declares that the amount of taxes which may be raised within the 10 mill limitation will be insufficient and that it is therefore necessary to levy a tax in excess of the 10-mill limitation,” the resolution stated.

The levy is to benefit the Harrison County Home “at a rate not exceeding 1.5 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to 15 cents for each $100 of valuation for five years.” Commissioner Amy Norris emphasized the tax levy was a renewal.