COSHOCTON − The spring primary is May 5.
The ballot is highlighted by a property tax levy for River View Local Schools and one competitive race.
Candidate races
The competitive county race is for the Republican nomination for Coshocton County Commissioner. The seat is currently held by Republican Gary Fischer, who is not seeking re-election.
There are three candidates vying for the position. Chuck Ellis is the recently retired owner of Pearl Valley Cheese and was previously a member of the Ridgewood Local Schools Board of Education.
Dean Hettinger is retired as a captain and chief deputy of the Coshocton County Sheriff’s Office and is currently president of the United Way of Coshocton County board.
Chuck Selders works for Kraft-Heinz and is a trustee for Tuscarawas Township. He ran for commissioner in 2024, losing in the Republican primary to Bob Bigrigg.
No Democrat has filed for the seat. Former commissioner Rick Conkle has told the Tribune he plans to file and run for the seat in the fall general election as an independent. Independents must file by May 4.
Levies, liquor option
● River View local schools is seeking renewal of a 4.8 mills property tax levy that was first passed in 1991 and has been approved every five years since. However, the district is asking for the levy to be continuing in this election. The levy generates about $1.7 million a year and costs the owner of a $100,000 home $106 annually. The funding is used for salaries and benefits, utilities and classroom supplies. Superintendent Chuck Rinkes said it covers about 84% of operating expenses.
● Crawford Township is seeking 1.5 mills for five years for road improvements and maintenance estimated to generate $44,262 a year and cost the owner of a $100,000 home $29 per year, and 1.25 mills for five years for fire protection estimated to generate $37,938 a year and cost the owner of a $100,000 home $25 a year.
● Adams Township is seeking 2 mills for five years for general construction of roads and equipment purchases for road improvements estimated to generate $21,507 a year and cost the owner of a $100,000 home $19 a year.
● Pike Township is seeking 1.75 mills for five years for fire protection estimated to generate $24,918 annually and cost the owner of a $100,000 home $38 a year.
● The Bell Store at 218 Chestnut St. is seeking Sunday sales of liquor. The store and gas station opened in April 2025.
For more information, visit coshocton.boe.ohio.gov.
This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Your Coshocton County spring primary ballot at a glance
Reporting by Leonard L. Hayhurst, Coshocton Tribune / Coshocton Tribune
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