BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio— With the Ohio May 6 primary election just a week away, Belmont County officials are calling on voters to support State Issue 2, a proposed amendment to the Ohio Constitution that would allow the state to issue up to $2.5 billion in general obligation bonds over the next decade.
The funding would support capital improvements for infrastructure like roads, bridges, sewer systems and water lines across Ohio, including Belmont County.
Daniel Morris, Vice President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 141 tells River News Network that passage of Issue 2 is essential for keeping Belmont County’s infrastructure strong and improving quality of life.
“We need to vote for this for our quality of life.”
Daniel Morris, Vice President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 141
The amendment, introduced through a bipartisan resolution in the Ohio General Assembly, would not increase taxes and has long served as a critical funding source for local infrastructure projects, local officials say. Supporters emphasize that it is a renewal of an existing program that has been in place since 1987.
Franklin Schaefer, President of the Township Association for Belmont County, also spoke with River News Network to explain the issue and why he says it’s vital to local residents.
“It’s a very important bond issue through the state of Ohio that will not raise your tax dollars. It funds infrastructure projects — water, sewer, and the like — and every community has a chance to apply for it, whether you’re a village, township, or county.”
Franklin Schaefer, President of the Township Association for Belmont County
Schaefer highlighted the program’s track record in Belmont County, noting that over the last 10 years, it has brought in close to $20 million and supported 51 projects across 14 local entities. He warned that if the issue fails, it could have a damaging effect on future local infrastructure.
“Everybody complains about our roads being bad. This is one of the programs that helps keep the good ones in good shape. If it doesn’t pass, those projects could not get done going forward.”
Franklin Schaefer, President of the Township Association for Belmont County
Morris echoed those concerns and stressed the long-standing value of the program.
“This bond levy needs to be renewed. It’s not a tax. Over the last 10 years, it’s brought about $2 million a year to Belmont County — that’s over $20 million total, supporting 52 projects for 14 different local entities.”
Daniel Morris, Vice President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 141
He explained that the program was first approved by voters in 1987 and must be renewed every 10 years. It supports both new construction and maintenance of existing infrastructure — including recent projects like the waster and infrastructure work in Morristown and the Hendrysburg area.
Morris emphasized the program’s impact on local quality of life by making essential services like water accessible.
“It improves the roads. It brings new waterlines where people don’t have them. It upgrades existing ones. This directly affects our communities,” he said.
Daniel Morris, Vice President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 141
In response to concerns over high property taxes in Ohio, Morse clarified that Issue 2 does not raise taxes and is a bond that is up for renewal.
“It’s not a tax. It’s a bond that the state issues, and the state pays the interest. This is not something new — it’s just a renewal.”
Daniel Morris, Vice President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 141
The Belmont County Commissioners also voiced their unanimous support of Issue 2 at their April 23 meeting.
The full text of the proposed amendment is available here. Early voting is currently underway in Ohio, and Election Day is Tuesday, May 6.
