GOSHEN TOWNSHIP — Goshen Township voters approved a 5.7-mill replacement levy for the police department during Tuesday’s general election.

According to unofficial results from the Mahoning County Board of Election, 424 (54.50%) voted for the levy with 354 (45.5%) voting against it.

The levy was much-needed to keep the police department operating as it currently is with Goshen Police Chief John Calko, previously warning that staffing or equipment cuts would be made if the levy didn’t pass.

Goshen Township Trustee Shawn Mesler thanked voters in the township and reiterated just how important the levy funds were needed.

“It was very crucial for our township and the future of the police department,” Mesler said. “This money was needed to continue operations. Our expenses clearly went up and we were living on revenue from 2006.”

The current 5.7-mill levy was first passed 19 years ago. Since then, costs have continued to increase, and due to the rise in property valuations, the current levy is being collected at an effective rate of only 3.2 mills.

The replacement levy will add approximately $87 per $100,000 of property value to the annual rate for about $200 per $100,000. The Mahoning County Auditor estimated the replacement levy will generate $627,119 for the department annually.

Aside from Goshen Township, the department also serves Green Township and staffs the West Branch Schools Resource Officer.