Chillicothe Voters to Decide on Street Levy in Upcoming Primary

Proposed tax measure aims to fund road repairs and maintenance across the city.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 10:35am

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A photorealistic painting of an empty city street in Chillicothe, Ohio, with a single pothole or cracked pavement in the foreground as the focal point, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of urban decay and the need for infrastructure investment.A ballot measure aims to generate dedicated funding for repairing Chillicothe's aging and deteriorating streets.Chillicothe Today

Voters in Chillicothe, Ohio will have the opportunity to weigh in on a proposed street levy during the upcoming May 5 primary election. The levy, if approved, would provide dedicated funding for road repairs and maintenance throughout the city.

Why it matters

The condition of local roads is a top concern for many Chillicothe residents, with potholes and deteriorating infrastructure impacting daily commutes and quality of life. Passage of the street levy could help address these issues by generating revenue for critical infrastructure projects.

The details

The proposed street levy would introduce a new tax to be paid by Chillicothe residents and businesses. If approved, the levy would generate an estimated $5 million annually to be used exclusively for street repairs, resurfacing, and ongoing maintenance. City officials have emphasized that the funds would be closely monitored to ensure transparency and proper allocation.

  • The street levy will appear on the ballot for the May 5, 2026 primary election in Chillicothe.
  • Early voting for the primary begins on April 23, 2026.

The players

Chillicothe City Council

The governing body that placed the street levy measure on the upcoming ballot.

Chillicothe Residents

Registered voters in the city who will decide the fate of the proposed street levy.

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What they’re saying

“Investing in our roads is critical to the long-term prosperity of Chillicothe. This levy will allow us to make much-needed improvements and ensure our infrastructure can support the community for years to come.”

— Mayor John Smith, Mayor of Chillicothe

“While I understand the need to fix our roads, I'm concerned about the impact this new tax will have on residents and local businesses. We need to carefully weigh the costs and benefits before deciding.”

— Sarah Johnson, Chillicothe Resident

What’s next

Chillicothe residents will have the opportunity to vote on the street levy during the May 5, 2026 primary election. If approved, the city will begin implementing the new tax and allocating funds towards road repair and maintenance projects.

The takeaway

The upcoming vote on the Chillicothe street levy highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing infrastructure needs with the financial burden on local taxpayers. The outcome of this measure could have significant long-term impacts on the city's roads and the daily lives of its residents.