MONROE TOWNSHIP — Brigette Gatton said the only money supporting Monroe Township’s fire and emergency medical services comes from two levies.
Both of those property tax issues are up for renewal this November.
Gatton said without the funds generated through both levies, fire and EMS services would likely be unable to be provided by the township.
Monroe Township’s fire and EMS services are both volunteer departments.
“We’ve never operated outside of our means,” Gatton said. “We want to ensure our residents have these services.”
Gatton, the township’s fiscal officer, said both levies have been approved by township voters since at least the start of her service in 2004.
The fire levy — a 2.5-mill, five-year property tax renewal — costs a township property owner with a $100,000 home approximately $88 each year, according to the fiscal officer.
It generates approximately $267,000 annually, Gatton said.
Those funds are specifically used to pay for things like hose testing, supplies, fire extinguishers and maintenance on the fire trucks.
The EMS levy — a 1-mill, five-year property tax renewal — costs a township property owner with a $100,000 home approximately $35 each year. It generates about $105,000 each year.
In 2024, the EMS property tax issue brought in $104,000 for the township, Gatton said, compared to $106,000 in 2025.
Funds generated through the EMS levy are used to stock squads with supplies, as well as cover maintenance and repair costs. This levy also helps cover costs associated with a contract the township has with Madison Township for EMS backup.
Both levies combined cost township property owners with a $100,000 home approximately $123 each year.
For more information about the Nov. 4 election, visit the Richland County Board of Elections website.
