Fairfield County voters will only have one countywide issue to consider in the November general election – State Issue 3, which asks whether or not requiring photo ID at the polls should be made part of the Ohio Constitution.
Several local municipal, library or school levies are on the ballot, but they will only appear on the ballots of Fairfield County residents who live in those areas.
Here is a roundup of the issues for Fairfield County communities. Local liquor issues are not included as they are decided only by voters in local precincts where the restaurants, stores and other businesses applying are located. For property tax levies, Fairfield County residents can estimate how it will impact them directly by using the Fairfield County Auditor
Levy Estimator.
Municipal and other public agencies
Columbus (Franklin County and parts of Delaware and Fairfield counties) – There are two proposed city charter amendments summarized below. A full text of the proposed amendments can be found at https://columbusdistricts.com/2026-ballot/.
The language can also be accessed by clicking the link with each issue number.
● Issue 8– Proposed amendment submitted by citizen petition to limit voting for the nine district council seats to only those living in those districts instead of the current citywide vote.
●Issue 9 – Proposed city charter amendment placed on ballot by city council that would limit voting for the nine district council seats to only those living in the district and add two at-large council members to be elected in 2027 and two additional at-large members to be elected in 2029. All at-large council members would be elected for four-year staggered terms, and would transition council from nine to 13 members.
Madison Township (Unincorporated Area) – Additional 1.5 mills levy for a continuing period for general construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, and repair of streets, roads, and bridges. If approved, the county auditor estimates the levy would raise an additional $121,963 annually and would cost property owners $53 per year more for each $100,000 of the auditor's appraised value.
Pleasant Township – Additional 2 mills for a continuing period to fund the township's fire protection and emergency medical services. If approved, the county auditor estimates the levy will generate $689,992 annually and will cost property owners an estimated $70 for each $100,000 of the auditor's market value.
Pataskala Public Library (covers the Southwest Licking County School District, which includes parts of Licking and Fairfield counties) – Renewal of a 1-mill levy for current expenses for five years, which would generate an estimated $901,850 annually – or about 53% of the library's total operating budget. If approved, property owners would pay $21 annually for each $100,000 of the county auditor's market value.
Pickerington Public Library (covers the Pickerington Local School District, which includes parts of Franklin and Fairfield counties) – Additional levy of 1.5 mills for a continuing period for current expenses. If approved, the county auditor's office estimates it will raise $1.4 million annually and property owners would pay $53 for each $100,000 of the auditor's market value.
School districts
Pickerington Local Schools (parts of Pickerington, Violet Township, Reynoldsburg, Columbus, and Canal Winchester) – Additional 0.75% income taxfor 10 years. If approved, the total school district income tax would increase to 1.75% for those who own or rent within the district. Social Security income is excluded from the income tax. The district placed the 0.75% additional tax on the Nov. 3 ballot after a proposed 1.25% increase was defeated in the May primary.Southwest Licking Local Schools (parts of Licking and Fairfield counties) has two issues on the ballot:
- The district is asking for its existing income tax of 0.75% to be replaced by a tax of 2% on earned income beginning Jan. 1, 2027, for a continuing period of time to pay for operating expenses. If the higher replacement tax is rejected by voters, the district's existing tax will remain in effect.
- The district is seeking a property tax levy of 2.87 mills to repay an $80.7 million bond issue to fund constructing school facilities and renovating, repairing, expanding, improving, and constructing additions to school facilities; furnishing and equipping those facilities; site improvements, and acquiring real estate over 35 years. If approved, property owners would pay $100 for each $100,000 of the county auditor's market value to pay the annual debt charges on the bonds, and on any notes issued in anticipation of those bonds.
Early in-person voting in Ohio is underway and ends Nov. 1 with varying hours and limited weekend times. To see the days and hours, go to the Ohio Secretary of State's voting schedule at: https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voting-schedulePolls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3.Applications for absentee ballots to vote by mail must be received by boards of elections by close of business on Oct. 27. Absentee ballots must be received by mail or returned to county boards of elections by 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 3.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Several municipal, library and school issues on Fairfield County ballots
