Rockford Weighs Police Levy for May 2027 Ballot

Village council reviewed three police protection levy options at 2.5, 3, and 3.5 mills while advancing a snow emergency ordinance.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Law Enforcement

Rockford Weighs Police Levy for May 2027 Ballot

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Would you support a police levy increase in your community for 2027?

Rockford Village Council reviewed three police protection levy options for the May 2027 ballot, with estimated annual costs of $87.50, $105, and $122.50 for a $100,000 home. Council approved no final levy proposal and asked members to return with a preference at the next meeting.

Why it matters

The village is considering the levy to address rising expenses and declining general fund finances, and the 2026 police budget stands at $327,758. The decision would determine how residents fund police protection beginning with 2028 collections.

The village is evaluating three levy rates, with no final proposal approved and collections set to begin in 2028 on the 2027 property tax year if placed on the ballot. Council has not indicated which rate it will recommend.

The players

Rockford Village Council

The governing body of the village of Rockford, Ohio, which sets local tax proposals and ordinances.

Joel Temple

Appointed to complete Shane Young's term on the Rockford Village Council.

The details

Council reviewed levy options of 2.5, 3, and 3.5 mills and asked members to return with a preference at the next meeting. Council also gave a first reading to a snow emergency ordinance that would require vehicles to be removed from village streets once snowfall reaches two inches or more, taking effect immediately upon passage.

November 5, 2026: Council reviewed the police levy options and gave a first reading to the snow emergency ordinance.
May 2027: The proposed police levy would appear on the ballot if approved.
2028: Collections would begin on the 2027 property tax year.

Legal Context

Rockford's levy proposal follows the mill-based property tax structure Ohio municipalities use to fund operating budgets. The village's declining general fund and rising costs are driving the search for dedicated police revenue.

Residents would pay roughly $87.50 to $122.50 per year on a $100,000 home depending on the levy rate chosen. The outcome would directly affect how police protection is funded in Rockford.

The takeaway

Rockford residents facing a police levy vote should compare the per-household cost of each mill option against the village's current police budget of $327,758. Tracking council's next meeting will show which rate is recommended for the ballot.

What happens next

Council is expected to return with a levy preference at its next meeting, and the proposal would need to be placed on the May 2027 ballot to take effect.