GEBHARDT
FOR GENOA TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE
Positive change doesn't happen on its own - we have to make it happen
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 2015 Police, Fire/EMS tax levies
Established the first township "Rainy Day Fund "
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 to 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.
Rep Carfagna also secured state funding together with the township funds made it possible to save and move the old Township Hall.
Established the "growing " 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.
MY VIEWS
TAXES
Will Rogers once said, "The only difference between death and taxes is death doesn't get worse." This raises an important question: who should continue to make sacrifices—residents and their families by tightening their budgets, or township trustees, who must acknowledge the increased burden of property taxes? 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 community voiced its opposition.
My message is straightforward: We must address spending and excessive property taxes. Achieving responsive, high-quality services and programs does not require an “either-or” choice; rather, we need to establish reasonable limits. 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.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
It's time to move from reckless spending to fiscal responsibility. While taxpayers have supported program expansion and increased spending in the past, the township must adapt to the changing circumstances. State property tax actions may impact funding, so we must plan proactively. As trustee, I'll prioritize essential services for Genoa Township, say "no" when needed, and seek funding alternatives that don't further burden taxpayers .
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.
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.
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 will remain my top priorities.
PARKS & TRAILS
ROADS
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.
DEVELOPMENT
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. Development should follow Ohio law, Zoning Resolution, and the Comprehensive Plan with resident input. While most new homes will be on large lots and further major growth will be limited, potential external challenges such as annexation and sewer expansion remain concerns. Our range of housing should continue to support families, empty-nesters, and young professionals. Although our commercial tax base is smaller than some townships, I support local small business growth to boost services, jobs, and tax revenue.
THE WAY FORWARD
Following are policies, actions and programs I propose and support
TAXES
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
POLICE
The proposed Police levy will be determined by voters. It is regrettable that township trustees did not pursue alternative funding options to prevent a 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.
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.
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.
GENERAL SAFETY SERVICES
RESIDENT PARTICIPATION
TRUSTEES
We should 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 with other jurisdictions to ensure they are balanced and to define clearly when such aid should be activated.
It is essential to continue hiring, training, and equipping high-quality professionals and to ensure we have the necessary equipment to protect people and property. At the same time, we must recognize that the township cannot always compete with other jurisdictions in these areas.
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
FIRE/EMS
PARKS/TRAILS
The fire/EMS department utilizes modern equipment, and its staff receive training as firefighters and emergency medical services personnel. Continuing up-to-date training is recommended.
As the most costly program but a 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 concerns, but because the department is large and complex. Such an audit could help confirm current practices and potentially offer new perspectives for improvement.
DEVELOPMENT
Land use within the township should be governed by the Comprehensive Plan and enforced through a Zoning Resolution that aligns with state law, as well as the Ohio and Federal Constitutions.
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 nuisance and 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.
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.
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 acquisition, no agreed to development plan, with 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. However, I am in opposition to allowing the sale or availability of alcohol at family-oriented, township-sponsored events in local parks.
The greater involvement of the Parks Advisory Committee is encouraged in all decisions impacting parks and trails, including the formation of Ad Hoc committees to provide input on playground equipment replacement, future park acquisitions, and significant renovation or development projects.
