The Village of North Bend voted on Jan. 27 to request county certification for a proposed continuing levy tied to fire and EMS funding, while village leaders said talks with Miami Township will continue during a 90‑day contract extension.

The levy action followed several council members’ warnings that Miami Township’s failed combined levies and a revised contract proposal would raise North Bend’s share of costs. Mayor (name not specified) told the council North Bend accounts for about 8.3% of Miami Township runs; Addison accounts for 10.3% and Cleves 22%. He said Addison currently pays about $40,000 through its levy, North Bend pays about $189,000 and Cleves about $252,000, creating what village officials described as a disparities-per-run concern.

Why it matters: North Bend’s shortfalls in negotiated cost sharing with Miami Township, higher regional recruitment and salary pressures for fire personnel, and a pending contract that expires at the end of March all affect how the village funds emergency response and whether residents will be asked to pay more through a ballot levy.

Council and staff said they signed a 90‑day extension with Miami Township after the township’s combined levy failed in November. "We have a 90 day contract with Miami Township, which will expire at the end of March," Mayor (name not specified) said. Council members and staff said they have met with Miami Township leadership and with neighboring townships; Whitewater and Green townships told North Bend they could not provide routine service because of capacity.

Council adopted Resolution 2025‑09 declaring the necessity to levy a tax exceeding the 10‑mill limitation for emergency medical services and moved to request that the Hamilton County Auditor certify available levy amounts for a potential May 5, 2025 ballot placement. Council members said the village’s earlier renewal passed while a proposed additional 2.0‑mill levy did not. Council indicated it wants the option to place a continuing levy on the May ballot, then hold a special meeting before the county filing deadline to decide final language and amount.

Captain King of Miami Township Fire & EMS later reported operational statistics for December and year figures: Miami Township had 203 calls in December (16 in North Bend), 107 training hours, and noted mutual aid and overlaps. In response to a question about billing, King said the township bills insurers (using a billing company) and does not levy individual residents directly for transports.

Next steps: councilors directed staff to seek county certification of a potential levy amount and scheduled a special council meeting to consider final placement on the May ballot if certification arrives in time. Council members emphasized continuing negotiations with Miami Township and exploring joint solutions among the three villages serving the township.

Ending: Village leaders said they will continue meetings with Miami Township and the other villages and will update residents before any ballot placement or contract change.