Below are a list of frequently asked questions broken down in an easy to talk about manner. For a more formal and detailed FAQ, please see the pdf located >>>CLICK HERE FOR FORMAL FAQ<<<
So what’s this merger thing about, anyway?
Back in 2023, folks in both Alexandria and St. Albans voted to look into whether merging the two makes sense. That vote didn’t merge anything, it just said, “Let’s study this and see if it’s a good idea.”
So we formed a group – five folks from the Township, five from the Village – and we’ve been meeting for a year and a half to look at the details: taxes, services, growth, who gets to make decisions, that kind of thing. After all that digging, we’re recommending a merger. In November 2025, you get to decide if it actually happens.
Why now?
Because growth is coming whether we like it or not. Just look down the road at Jersey Township. Warehouses, traffic, annexation deals… it’s already here. If we don’t set the direction ourselves, someone else will.
This merger gives us a shot at shaping the future before we’re swallowed up in it.
Who came up with this?
Ten locals – five from each side of the line. No consultants flying in. We’ve been at this for over 18 months, meeting publicly, talking to neighbors, and bringing in folks who know the law and how other towns have done it. Nobody’s getting paid. We’re just trying to do right by the community.
If we merge, what happens to our local government?
We’d have one government: a new Village of Alexandria with a council and a mayor. The Township trustees and current Village of Alexandria council and mayor would no longer exist. It’s not about kicking anyone out – it’s about not duplicating everything twice when we can do it once, better.
What about police, trash, and water?
- Police: The Village has a small department already, and they’d keep growing it. The Sheriff’s Office still backs them up like they do now.
- Trash: Win-Waste stays the provider, just one contract instead of two.
- Water/Sewer: If you’re on Village water, you stay there. If you’ve got a well and septic, that doesn’t change. No one’s forcing you to hook up. New lines for future growth would be Village-managed.
Are they gonna mess with my mailing address?
Nope. Your address stays the same. Nobody wants to deal with fixing GPS and mail delivery for no reason.
What happens to the money and the debt?
All the budgets and debts get combined. Nothing disappears, and nobody’s off the hook. But we plan for that in the financials. It’s all written out.
Can someone annex my land easier if we don’t merge?
Yup. Townships have the least legal protection when it comes to annexation in Ohio. Villages have more say. Look at Jersey Township – they made a deal with New Albany, but if the trustees change their minds someday, that land can still be annexed. We’ve got to look out for ourselves.
Who controls water and sewer down the road?
The new Village would. They’d either install the lines or negotiate with other providers to keep rates fair. Nobody’s installing anything without a reason or a plan.
What’s in it for us?
One big thing: home rule, which means we are in control NOT the county or anyone else. Right now, we’re a township under county rules unless we hit 2,500 people. A Village doesn’t need that many to start making more of its own decisions. We’d get more local control, sooner.
Are they gonna come for my guns or stop me from hunting?
No. We specifically wrote in protections so if you’re hunting or shooting on your land now, you can keep doing it. That doesn’t change.
When do we vote?
- Early voting starts: October 7, 2025
- Election Day: November 4, 2025
If it passes, then what?
We start the transition. Hold elections, set up the new Village council and mayor, and keep folks involved. We’re not disappearing—this will still be our community.
Will they change the name?
Nope. Still the Village of Alexandria. People had mail and delivery problems the last time something changed names, and we’re not doing that again.
Will this mess with the school district?
No. You’ll stay in your same school district. That’s written into the merger conditions. This doesn’t touch the schools.
I don’t know if I trust this whole thing.
Fair enough. But come to a meeting. Ask questions. This isn’t being done behind closed doors – we want folks to speak up and listen. That’s how small towns make big decisions.
Quick reference chart:
| Category | Now: Separate Township and Village | If Merged: One New Village of Alexandria |
| Local Government | Two governments (Village Council & Township Trustees) | One elected council and mayor for the combined Village |
| Elections | Separate elections for Village and Township offices | One election for new Village officials |
| Annexation Protection | Township has limited protection under Ohio law | Villages have stronger protection from annexation |
| Trash Collection | Separate contracts and arrangements | Unified contract; no interruption in service |
| Water & Sewer | Village uses public water; Township mostly on well/septic | Existing system stay; new connections built or negotiated by Village |
| Police Services | Village has a police department; Township is covered by the County Sheriff | Village police continues; County Sheriff still supports as backup |
| Tax Rates | Village and Township have different rates | Unified tax rate under the new Village government |
| Debt & Funds | Separate budgets and financial obligations | Funds and debts merged into one financial plan |
| School Districts | Existing districts based on address | Remain unchanged; written into merger plan |
| Mailing Addresses | Remain the same | Remain the same |
| Gun & Hunting Rights | Allowed in accordance with local laws | Protected in the merger conditions (Condition #) |
| Community input | Residents attend separate public meetings and involvement is spread across two entities | One unified government with open public input opportunities |
| Your vote in November 2025 | What it means |
| YES | Merge Township and Village into a single Village with one local government. Have increased control over the future of our community. |
| NO | Keep the Township and Village governments separate, with no structural changes. Risk annexation by other local entities. |