CIRCLEVILLE, OH — The City of Circleville is facing significant challenges after the recent resignation of its Safety Director, just months after his appointment. The resignation, attributed to the failure of a safety levy in November, highlights the ongoing financial struggles within the city.
In his resignation letter, the Safety Director cited the impact of the levy defeat, which was crucial for funding the police and fire departments. Following this setback, Mayor Michelle Blanton initiated a comprehensive review of the city’s finances, seeking input from her staff on necessary cuts to address a projected $2 million shortfall.
Mayor Blanton has taken on the safety role herself, stating that she will continue until the administration decides whether to fill the position or leave it vacant due to budget constraints. Despite the challenges, the Circleville Fire Department is nearing full staffing levels, partly thanks to a federal grant that funds several firefighter positions for the next few years. In contrast, the police department is struggling with staffing shortages, exacerbated by recent departures amid ongoing investigations.
Before the safety levy was passed several years ago, both the fire and police departments operated with minimal staff, a situation that Mayor Blanton is determined to avoid. In an interview with Sciotopost, she emphasized that her administration is actively working on budget cuts and plans to present a detailed proposal to the city council soon.
As Circleville navigates these turbulent financial waters, the community remains focused on ensuring the safety and effectiveness of its emergency services. Further updates are expected as the city prepares to address the impending budgetary challenges.
