MADISON TOWNSHIP — Voters will decide whether to renew the Madison Township Fire Department’s primary levy this fall.
Fire Chief Ken Justus said passing the levy would help sustain the department’s services and expenses such as payroll, equipment and building maintenance.
“My goal is to get this passed and leave it alone,” Justus said. “It’s been collecting around $680,000 a year for 24 years.
“The reality is, if we don’t pass this levy, we’ll be operating in the red.”
The 5.5-mill continuous levy was last passed in 2000 based on 1999 home appraisal values. It is currently collecting about $111 annually on a $100,000 home.
Taxes at the replacement rate would translate to about $192.50 annually on a $100,000 home, first due in 2025.
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Fire Chief Ken Justus is hosting an information session on the levy at the township hall on Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. Residents can come to the township hall at 817 Expressview Drive. He will have information fliers about the levy and a copy of the fire department’s budget for review.
Residents can also contact the chief with questions at 419-589-5555 or kjustus@madisontwp.us.
Justus said this levy accounts for about 30% of total operating expenses. The fire department has three other levies for fire and EMS services that collect lower millage.
“The difference between what it’s collecting and what it can collect can really help our fire department,” Justus said. “I’d estimate about 70% of the levy goes toward personnel right now. If this passes, it would bring in about $380,000 additional funds.”
Justus noted that the Ohio Auditor of State’s performance audit found the fire department is projecting deficit spending beginning in 2024.
The chief said a replacement levy could help secure additional funding for the financial health of the department.
The performance audit said the Madison Township Fire Department is “exceeding industry standards and operating more efficiently than the peer townships used for comparison.”
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Justus said the department responded to more than 2,400 calls last year. The department employs about 16 full-time firefighters and 18 part-time firefighters. It operates two stations — one at 843 Expressview Drive and another at 801 Belmont Avenue.
Justus also said additional levy funds could support building a new fire station. Trustees have discussed fire station #2 upgrades for more than a year.
The levy funds can be used for payroll, fire equipment, buildings, utilities and other operating expenses.
