North Bend approves five-year fire and EMS contract with Miami Township; 2-mill levy set for May ballot

The Village of North Bend council voted March 31 to adopt a five-year contract with Miami Township for fire and emergency medical services, and the council announced a proposed 2-mill levy that will appear on the May 8 ballot.

Under Resolution 2025-11, approved by the council at the meeting, the mayor is authorized to execute a contract with Miami Township covering Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2029. Council discussion said the township trimmed its initial proposal: the first-year cost in the final agreement is $250,000, down from an earlier $287,000 figure discussed during negotiations. The council indicated the village expects the new 2-mill ballot measure to generate roughly $103,000 in additional revenue; combined with existing levies that would bring the village’s fire and EMS revenue to about $290,000 annually, the council said, a level expected to cover the contract through the term.

The council discussed contract provisions negotiated with the township. The contract includes a 60-day timeline for the township’s receipt of certain notices (the council had asked for 90 days), and a mutual 180-day termination clause should either party join a joint fire district or otherwise need to terminate. Miami Township agreed to meet with North Bend at least quarterly. Officials said the adjustments and the lower first-year cost were the principal outcomes of the final negotiation.

Councilmembers and staff emphasized the practical reason for seeking voter approval for the additional levy: rising personnel and benefit costs and the need to retain and recruit emergency personnel who can respond quickly to residents. Council members noted that the township has capital resources (including a TIF) that pay for apparatus and major equipment, while the levy revenue pays salaries and benefits.

Mayor (name not specified) said the council considered alternatives and contacts with neighboring jurisdictions but determined Miami Township was the most viable provider. Council discussion also noted a legal right in the village contract to exit with notice if service levels or staffing change materially.

The council’s action was unanimous. The resolution authorizing the mayor to execute the contract passed on the council’s motion and second; the meeting record shows the vote recorded as “Aye” by council members present.

The council and staff said they will provide additional written information about the levy and estimates of how much a 2-mill increase would cost a typical homeowner; during the meeting staff cited a published estimate of about $70 per year per $100,000 of assessed value for the proposed 2 mills.