Struthers committee discusses 2.5‑mill levy to bolster fire, EMS and dispatch staffing

The Struthers City Council Police & Fire Committee discussed placing a proposed 2.5‑mill levy before voters to increase staffing and equipment for fire, emergency medical services and dispatching.

Committee chair Mister Beyas reopened discussion and said the city’s most pressing needs are additional fire personnel and medical staffing to improve ambulance coverage and reduce long ambulance hold times at hospitals. “What we really need desperately in the city is a couple more firemen and and, meds is what we need to put this on,” he said, and presented a proposed millage figure of 2.5 as an example.

Safety‑service director Mike (present at the meeting) and chiefs attending described operational strains: two used ambulances in service…