By CHRIS WITEOF
Record Herald Writer
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MIAMI COUNTY - Three local levies achieved renewal this year when the polls closed last Tuesday. The West Milton Police and Fire Safety, Bethel Emergency Medical Services and Fire, and Monroe Emergency Medical Services (EMS) levies all passed again.

The levies will continue to provide for valuable services that save and protect lives without any increase to current taxes.

The police and fire levy for West Milton is a one-half percent income tax, which is in place to help offset the cost of these services. This levy generates $250,000 a year, making it a considerable portion of the $800,000 annual budget.

The money is divided between the police and fire operations with funds being apportioned on a yearly basis depending on the budget and needs.

Below, the unofficial results for contested races, as reported by the Election Summary Report of the Miami County Board of Elections.

For Tipp City Council, incumbent George Lovett is out and so is hopeful Mike McFarland.  Current Dee Gillis got the highest percentage of the votes with 23.45 percent.  She will be joined on council by incumbent John Kessler, 21.24 percent, and newcomer Mike McDermott who absconded 21.64 percent.

On West Milton Council, Michael Coate III will be the mayor.  Incumbent Jason Tinnerman will be his vice-mayor, with 66.23 percent of the vote.  His only opponent, newcomer Kathy Utz, received 33 percent.  For the other council hopefuls, Scott Fogle took the lead with 34.35 percent.  The other candidates broke down as follows: Fredric Francis, 27.11 percent; Ora Ashley, 21.24 percent; and Don Edmunds, 17.31 percent.

The Milton-Union Board of Education will remain the same line-up.  All three incumbents, Jodi Minneman, Chris Long, and Shelley Swigart, beat out newcomer Dan Smiley.  The percentages are as follows: Shelley Swigart, 28.24 percent; Chris Long, 25.52 percent; Jodi Minneman, 24.26 percent; and Dan Smiley, 21.98 percent.

For Bethel Township, the trustee seat will continue to be filled by Cliff Wray, who received 55.39 percent of the vote, to Brian Swinderman's 44.61 percent.

Bethel Township's fire and ems renewal levy passed by a mile, with 68.16 percent of the vote.

Monroe Township's fire and ems renewal levy also passed easily, with 68.77 percent of the vote.

West Milton's police and fire safety income tax renewal levy passed as well, with 58.63 percent of the vote.

Tipp-Monroe Community Services was close behind in acceptance of their renewal levy, with 66.01 percent in favor.

Milton-Union Exempted Village School District's renewal levy passed by the skin of their teeth, with 55.95 percent of the vote.

Tipp City Exempted Village School District had no worries, with 62.93 percent of the vote.

Both Tipp City Speedways will have Sunday liquor sales, but just barely - about 55 percent of the vote.

Bethel's 202 Drive-Thru can sell liquor on Sunday as well, by a 75.69 percent positive vote.

Skipper's Tavern Bar & Grill in West Milton can also join the Sunday liquor club, with a 61.28 percent passing vote.