Resident voices concern at Morrow County meeting over 23 Connect3 and petition to abolish property tax

A resident who identified himself as Carl addressed the Morrow County commissioners on March 4, urging the board to consider local impacts of the proposed "23 Connect" alignment and warning that an active petition to abolish property tax would harm essential local services.

Carl told the board he had attended recent township meetings and described concerns that an alignment for 23 Connect could affect property and livelihoods. He said a property-tax-abolition petition being circulated "would cripple us" and stressed that tax dollars pay for fire, police and sheriff departments. "So I'm screwed," Carl said, describing the possibility of losing his home if eminent-domain or other impacts reduced his property value.

Commissioners and staff discussed the intense public turnout at a recent Peru Township stakeholder meeting, where more than 200 people reportedly attended to comment on 23 Connect options. Staff said the countys regional planning representatives had participated in earlier planning but had not been part of the newer 23 Connect proposal; they said they would monitor the upcoming meetings and report back.

Carl urged education of residents before signing petitions and questioned how supporters could both publicly back law enforcement while also supporting a measure that could reduce funding for those services.

The board recessed for scheduled business after public comment and continued with routine agenda items. There was no formal action taken on the petition or 23 Connect alignment at this meeting; staff indicated they would attend upcoming stakeholder sessions and provide updates to the commissioners.