Washington Township fire chief outlines levy renewal, introduces assistant chief

Washington Township Fire Chief John Donahue presented to the Dublin City Council on May 5, introduced his department’s newly promoted assistant chief and outlined an upcoming renewal levy on the May 6 ballot to continue funding fire and emergency medical services.

The presentation explained the levy is a five-year renewal that, if approved, would continue funding operations from 2026 onward with no tax increase tied to the renewal. Donahue said the levy has supported services since 2010 and that the township is asking voters to continue it for another term.

Donahue described department accomplishments and efficiencies, including EMS billing that seeks reimbursement from insurance—while writing off any remaining balance for residents—and a self-funded high-deductible health plan implemented in 2019 that he said saved roughly $1.9 million since its inception. He also highlighted Washington Township Fire Department’s accreditation and insurance rating: an internationally accredited department with an Insurance Services Office (ISO) Class 1 rating.

Donahue outlined capital needs, telling council the department plans a 10-year capital equipment plan that includes roughly $4.2 million of refurbishments and replacements. He cited recent apparatus price increases: an engine expected that year priced at $652,000 and other apparatus bids reaching above $1.1 million before tariffs.

Donahue introduced Assistant Chief Adam Smith, noting Smith is an internal candidate with 27 years of service in Washington Township. Smith addressed the council briefly and thanked members for the opportunity to serve.

Council members offered thanks and wished the department well for the ballot measure. No council action was required; the presentation was informational.