Early voters who might not have been fully educated on the Muskingum Township recreation levy are being targeted to make up the 40 votes that kept the issue from passing in last year's general election.

Everything else with the 0.75-mill levy will be the same as it was in November 2008 when it failed to pass by a vote of 50.78 percent against to 49.22 for, with a total of 2,574 votes.

Oak Grove and Devola "are really trying to educate people a little more," said John Karas, Muskingum Township trustee. "We're going out and hitting the doors a littler earlier this year because of the early voting."

The 0.75-mill levy would raise funds to support the Oak Grove Community Building and the Devola Pool. If approved, the annual cost for the owner of residential property with an assessed value of $100,000 would be $22.97, according to the Washington County Auditor's Office.

Marissa Garst, of 120 Mound Drive in Oak Grove, said she'd support the levy, just like she did last year.

"The (former) school with the playground and the activities they have is very useful for this little community," she said.

The levy aims to provide recreation funds for both sides of the township, which is divided by the Muskingum River, Karas said.

"The money will be split proportionally on each side of the river," he said. "Tax collected on the east side will stay on the east side and the same goes for the west side."

But residents of each side will benefit from the recreational opportunities on both sides, he said.

Specifically, the Oak Grove Community Building, which was bought by the township five years ago with a 1.5-mill levy, but which is now paid off, would get funds for maintenance and upgrades through potential grants.

Devola and Oak Grove residents would be able to use that center's walking track, gymnasium and facilities for large group meetings.

Likewise, the Devola area has the swimming pool and multipurpose sports fields, and every Muskingum Township resident would be able to use those facilities.

Money from the levy will reduce family memberships at the Devola pool from $165 to $100. Also, seniors will receive a free membership, Karas said.

Bibiana Sheppard, 65, of 100 Shawnee Drive in Devola, said it's this last benefit that makes her likely to vote for the levy.

"The free pool would be nice," she said.