Sometimes we have to say - Thats Enough
Why does Genoa Twp have a General Fund Balance of 7.9 million dollars, 32 million dollar over-all balance with significant cash reserves in some accounts? (August Newsletter) Couldn't some of that surplus be used to reduce tax levies, off-set costs or pay off the Police Station bonds - but instead the Trustees ask for more from the taxpayer? Fiscal Incompetence and Disregard for the Taxpayer by Trustees Antonetz and McMurray.
Positive change doesn't happen on its own - we have to make it happen
GEBHARDT
FOR GENOA TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE
ABOUT
Karl Gebhardt brings twelve years of prior service as a Genoa Township Trustee to the community at a time when experience, fiscal responsibility, integrity, and practical judgment are essential. A resident of the township for two decades, Karl and his wife Susan—married for forty-nine years—are proud parents of two adult daughters and grandparents to six grandchildren who attend schools in Westerville (Central) and Big Walnut.
Karl is an active outdoorsman. In addition, as a cyclist he rode his bike on the Ohio Erie Trail from Cincinnati to Cleveland in 2022 over 324 miles and in 2024 rode from Pittsburgh to Washington D.C. over 344 miles. But he still enjoys just riding to Galena with friends for breakfast and back home.
Karl's professional career spans forty-six years in the private sector and as a business owner. Additionally, he served under five Ohio Governors in various state agencies before his retirement in 2018.
Mr. Gebhardt holds a Master of Arts in Public Policy from The Ohio State University John Glenn College of Public Affairs, where he was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Career Achievement Award in 2022. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Franklin University and an Associate of Applied Science in Natural Resources from Hocking College, where he received the Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2020, he was named Public Servant of the Year by the Genoa Township Business Association.
Karl’s extensive experience, demonstrated integrity, strong work ethic, and notable achievements uniquely qualify him to serve once again as Trustee for the residents of Genoa Township.
SOME OF MY PAST ACHIEVEMENTS FOR GENOA TWP
Elected three times as Trustee serving 12 years from 2008-2020
Rolled back Police, Fire/EMS tax levies
Established the first township "Rainy Day Fund "
Offered fair and reasonable tax levies so the voters could decide for Police, Fire/EMS, Parks, Roads - all were approved by the voters.
Established equipment replacement schedules for all departments to enable budgeting and better decision making for equipment replacement
Expanded the Westerville Schools Resource Officer Program
Created the Police Therapy Dog program
Negotiated the first cost saving multi-jurisdiction, award winning trash/recycling contract with Rumpke
Established a dedicated funding source for Parks and Trails - freeing up significant General Fund money.
Established the Road Salt Brining Program to improve road safety and reduce cost and the need for snow plowing.
Established the township's first website to improve communications and information access for residents
Enrolled the township in the State Auditor's Open -Checkbook program providing access and transparency to township financial records and expenses.
Worked with fiscal office to secure a AAA Bond rating for the township based on sound investments strategy and financial management.
Helped develop 3.5 miles of new multi-use trails, secured a 26 ac addition to McNamera park requiring no additional tax dollars.
Initiated Movie Nights and Fishing Day which were sponsored by community businesses at no significant cost to the township.
Established the Park Legacy Program adding park benches throughout our parks and trails as well as numerous trees and other plantings in our park funded by individual residents.
Built new pickle ball courts and basketball courts at Center Green Park and Freeman Park.
Made significant upgrades to play ground surfaces through state funding secured by then State Representative Rick Carfagna.
Worked with Rep Carfagna to secure state funding to save and move the old Township Hall, the oldest building in the township.
Established the Township Community Gardens
Improved coordination and coverage between Genoa EMS and the County EMS
Built a much needed police station that now meets the township's needs as well as federal/state requirements
Secured over 2 million dollars in grants for parks, trails, roads, safety services, saving tax payer dollars.
Built wheelchair accessible fishing deck at Hilmar Park
MY VIEWS
TAXES/FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
Will Rogers once said, "The only difference between death and taxes is death doesn't get worse." For the first time in Genoa Township history, a fire/EMS levy was defeated, which reflects residents' concerns that their voices were not being heard and that fiscal responsibility was lacking. Trustees did not advocate strongly enough against higher taxes, but the voters did.
My message is straightforward: We must address spending and excessive property taxes. While the actions of the legislature and Governor regarding property tax reform remain uncertain, as your township trustee, I will prioritize both responsible township spending and your tax bill. When necessary to unjustified expenses I will say NO.
PARKS & TRAILS
ROADS
SAFETY SERVICES
Genoa Twp has a top-rated fire/EMS department and is the only township in Delaware County with its own police force. While public support was strong in the past, the defeat of the fire/EMS levy in November signals a shift in the public's attitude. Our safety personnel risk their lives and deserve our support but, the changing tax environment means we must rethink our funding and spending. We can't keep ignoring the reality - property taxes are high and people are concerned.
I will work with our departments to ensure safety services remain effective and efficient
while managing the cost for taxpayers. By working together, to address high property taxes and services responsibly, we can find that balance.
DEVELOPMENT
We have convenient access to our parks and trails, including part of the 326-mile Ohio to Erie Trail. The Parks Advisory Committee created a Master Plan to guide management and development, and it's essential we follow it. We must keep our current parks safe, maintained, and properly equipped before expanding further. Dedicated funding supports our parks, but resources are limited. Improving safety, accessibility, and usage of our parks and trails will remain a top priorities.
Genoa Township offers diverse housing options to meet varied resident needs, fostering an inclusive community. No one should be made to feel unwelcome in the township. As court decisions have shown development must follow the Constitution, Ohio law, Zoning Resolution, and be in alignment with the Comprehensive Plan. These must be the foundation for obtaining resident input. Planned Residential Developments ( PRD) will be limited if at all - most future new homes will be on large lots. Potential external challenges such as annexation and sewer expansion remain and need to be monitored. The township must coordinate and build positive working relationships and open communications with surrounding jurisdictions relative to development. We can't live in a bubble. Although our commercial tax base is smaller than some townships, I support local small business growth to boost services, jobs, and tax revenue.
Maintaining our 89-mile road system is essential for safe and convenient travel. We appreciate our Snow Warriors who work overnight to keep roads clear for residents and school buses. Proactive care, including our Street Paving and Maintenance plan, helps prevent issues like potholes and saves tax dollars over time. As with our safety services an operational audit should be conducted to ensure efficiencies and effectiveness are being maximized . The Township has limited authority to address issues such as speeding and other traffic control devices. Close coordination with the Co Engineer on an over-all township traffic plan is warranted .
THE WAY FORWARD
Following are policies, actions and programs I propose and support
TAXES
POLICE
I am committed to leading the development of policies that set clear priorities for future tax levies and the allocation of the General Fund. Central to this approach is ensuring that tax reduction and direct benefits to taxpayers remain our highest priority.
I would have proposed that the requested .75 mill levy increase for the Police Department be funded for a period of time using the township's General Fund. This recommendation aims to avoid the necessity of another property tax increase during this period yet would cover the needs of the Police. It is now up to the taxpayers to decide and we will adapt to their decision
The proposed Police levy outcome will be determined by the voters. It is regrettable that the township trustees did not pursue alternative funding options, which I believe are available, in order to avoid another tax increase. I want to emphasize my full support for our Police department, whose members perform their duties exceptionally well.
Increasing police visibility throughout our neighborhoods is essential. There is a need to create more opportunities for non-law enforcement interactions between officers, residents, and children, fostering stronger community relationships.
I continue to support the use of FLOC cameras, license plate readers, and the importance of ongoing coordination with other agencies to address regional criminal activity effectively.
I remain a strong proponent of the Westerville School Resource Officer program and therapy dog initiatives, both of which contribute positively to our schools' environments.
I would like to see a return to the classic black-and-white design for all police vehicles which would provide a recognizable and reassuring presence.
Additionally, I support the monthly publication of township crime statistics and locations on the township website, broken down by neighborhoods and including the number of traffic tickets issued.
GENERAL SAFETY SERVICES
We need to conduct an evaluation of how our safety services are delivered, with the goals of increasing efficiency, reducing redundancy, and lowering costs.
I will also review our important mutual aid agreements for Fire, EMS,and Police with other jurisdictions to ensure they are balanced and to define clearly when such aid should be activated.
It is essential to continue hiring, compensating, training, and equipping high-quality professionals and to ensure we have the necessary staff and equipment to protect people and property. At the same time, we must recognize that the township cannot always compete in these areas with other jurisdictions.
TRUSTEES
Everyone will be responsible for contributing to cost reduction and operational savings, including the trustees. I will propose trustee's compensation be reduced by 20%. Even though the compensation amount is set by the state, the trustees should voluntarily return 20% back to the township.
In meetings being streamed or the audio broadcast, I propose switching to lapel microphones so speakers ( trustees, zoning commission, BZA) can be heard by residents listening in.
THE WAY FORWARD - CON'T
RESIDENT PARTICIPATION
FIRE/EMS
I support on-going training for the firefighters and cross-training as EMS.
I recommend the evaluation of EMS delivery between the township and Delaware County. The objective is an EMS system that delivers locally managed effective service with the highest efficiency least amount of redundancy and responsiveness for the taxpayers.
As the most costly program but the key service provider in the township, focus should be placed on operational expenditures and efficiency within the fire/EMS department. An independent external financial and operational audit may be beneficial—not due to specific deficiencies or capabilities, but because the department is large and complex and an important resource. Such an audit could help confirm current practices and potentially offer new perspectives for improvement in the future.
Along with the public comment period at Trustee meetings, I support allowing residents to speak on agenda items as they are discussed.
Additionally, I propose quarterly town hall meetings for direct interaction between the public, trustees, and staff.
DEVELOPMENT
A simplified, user friendly version of the Zoning Resolution should be developed, making it accessible to both area realtors and residents, particularly those new to the area. Residents should also receive clear information about the responsibilities and authority of the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA).
The frequency of variance requests should be tracked to identify patterns of similar requests. If the same types of variances are frequently sought, the township should consider updating the Zoning Resolution or increasing educational outreach to address these trends. Variances should be the exception not the norm.
Attention should be devoted to ensuring that all new construction or additions, especially those on large lots within rural or suburban residential districts, comply with the Zoning Resolution.
I propose increasing the monitoring and enforcement of public nuisances and promptly addressing zoning violations.
When appointing members to the Zoning Commission and BZA, priority should be given to candidates with backgrounds in construction, civil engineering, land use, or law.
PARKS/TRAILS
Residents of the township invested considerable time and effort in developing the Parks Master Plan, which aims to serve as a thorough guide for park and trail development and future expenditures. It should be followed and when necessary updated .
A significant and unforeseen use of township funds, went towards acquiring Freeman's Farm Park. While it is a nice property, this decision raises questions, regarding funding used for new acquisition, with no agreed to development plan, citizen input, or specific budget for the park's operation and maintenance. Existing parks, either remain undeveloped or require extensive upgrades, including new playground equipment and general upkeep.
I support increasing safety patrols in parks and trails to deter unsafe behavior and vandalism.
I am in opposition to allowing the sale or availability of alcohol at youth and family-oriented, township-sponsored events in local parks. But, the township should look at adult oriented concerts and events in the parks.
The involvement of the Parks Advisory Committee is encouraged in all decisions impacting parks and trails. This would include the formation of Ad Hoc Citizen committees to provide input on such issues as playground equipment replacement, future park acquisitions, and significant renovation or development projects.
