Residents in Madison, Sandusky, Sharon and Worthington townships will vote Nov. 4 on renewal levies in regards to fire and emergency medical service.

Here is a look at each issue, none of which would result in additional taxes for residents:

Madison Township has fire levy renewal

The residents of Madison Township will see a 4-mill fire levy renewal on the ballot.

Chief Ken Justus said the millage on this levy is from the 2005 home figures.

It is a five-year levy that voters have considered every five years. He said voters last approved it in 2020 at the original millage.

He added this levy generates around $599,926 each year if fully collected. However, due to delinquencies during tax collection, they base their budget on 92% of what would be 100% of the collection.

“So, our 92% amount is $551,900.  That is what we are allowed to budget,” he said.

“Property owners will not see any additional costs associated with this levy,” Justus said. “It would remain the same, $140 per $100,000 of appraised value.”

“The levy accounts for 22% of the overall fire department budget,” he said.

Should the levy pass, funds will provide full-time staffing, cover utilities for the two fire stations and pay liability insurance premiums.

If this levy fails, it will directly impact the overall operation of the fire department. As staffing is the largest expenditure for the fire department, it will most likely be the place that will require reduction.  

“In addition, I find it important to inform our residents that the tax that is assessed on their property is assessed on 35% of the appraised value of their property,” Justus said.

He said taxpayers can look up their property on the Richland County Auditor’s website and review their property values. At the top of the screen, he added, there is a link that will take them to a separate page which shows levies on the ballot and the tax dollars involved.  

Sandusky Township has fire/EMS renewal levy

Sandusky Township residents will see a 2.2-mill fire and EMS renewal levy on the ballot. The five-year levy, which was last approved five years ago, would cost property owners approximately $77 per $100,000 annually.

According to the Richland County Auditor’s Office it would generate $62,300 annually.

Sally Glauer, fiscal officer for Sandusky Township, said the levy would help fund anything needed for the Fire and EMS in Sandusky Township.

She said if the levy fails, officials plan to put it before voters again next year.

Sharon Township has fire/EMS renewal on ballot

Sharon Township residents have a 2-mill fire and EMS levy renewal on the ballot.

The Richland County Auditor’s Office estimates it would collect $324,279 annually, costing taxpayers $70 for each $100,000 of appraised value.

The levy is a five-year renewal, commencing in 2026 and first due in calendar year 2027.

It will provide and maintain fire equipment, buildings, water supply and alarm systems; for paying permanent, part-time or volunteer firefighters; and for purchasing ambulance equipment or providing ambulance and emergency medical services through the fire department.

Worthington Township have fire/EMS levy renewal

Worthington Township residents will see a 2.5-mill fire and EMS levy renewal on the ballot.

The levy is a five-year renewal and does not represent an increase. The last levy increase was in 2000. The Richland County Auditor’s Office estimates the renewal would generate $152,643 annually, costing taxpayers about $88 per $100,000 of appraised property value.

According to Fiscal Officer Shari Leech, the funds are essential to maintaining the township’s fire and EMS department.

“With rising costs, we’ve still been able to maintain the building, equipment and supplies,” Leech said. “We’re fortunate to still operate with a volunteer fire department.”

“If the levy fails, we risk deterioration of the building and equipment, shortages of supplies and even possible station closure, which would lead to outsourcing and longer response times,” she said.

For more information about the Nov. 4 election, visit the Richland County Board of Elections website.

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