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Norwich Township moves to place 4.9‑mill fire levy on March ballot and authorizes $11M private placement for new Station 84
Summary
Trustees unanimously approved placing an additional 4.9‑mill fire levy on the March 19, 2024 primary ballot and authorized a private placement borrowing of approximately $11 million to fund construction and outfitting of new Station 84, selecting bond counsel, a municipal advisor and a CMAR.
Norwich Township trustees voted on Dec. 5 to place a 4.9‑mill additional fire levy before voters on the March 19, 2024 primary ballot and to pursue a private placement of about $11 million with a 15‑year term to help fund a new Fire Station 84.
The board’s action follows months of planning and advice from municipal advisor Bradley Payne and bond counsel (Taft Stettinius & Hollister). Fiscal Officer Paul Lambert presented the Franklin County Auditor’s certification that a 4.9‑mill levy on the township’s full valuation ($1,877,387,270) would generate an estimated $9,199,000 annually if approved. Fire Chief Dave Baird and trustees stressed the levy and the debt plan are tied to staffing, apparatus and long‑term service commitments tied to Station 84, which the Board expects to cost more than $10 million for construction plus equipment.
Why this matters: Trustees described Station 84 as needed capacity expansion as runs and EMS demand have grown. Chief Baird recommended phased equipment purchases and additional fire personnel; Bradley Payne modeled scenarios showing how levy proceeds and a direct private placement would interact with operating funds and the capital plan. Trustees voted unanimously to (a) request the Auditor certify millage/revenue options, (b) place the 4.9‑mill levy on the March ballot, and (c) pursue direct placement debt of $11 million with options for early retirement. The board also previously selected Elford Construction as the Construction Manager at Risk and Taft as bond counsel, and approved entering agreements with a municipal advisor to guide debt structuring.
What trustees approved and next steps: The motions approved on Dec. 5 direct the Fiscal Officer to complete necessary election filings and to advance contracts needed to issue debt in the near term. The trustees also authorized staff to execute a $255,000 contract with the City of Hilliard for the sanitary sewer to reach the Station 84 site and to continue design and equipment procurement for quint and medic vehicles. Chief Baird said equipment and personnel costs—turnout gear, medic units and the needed onboard equipment for a Quint—will be included in the 2024 capital plan and that staging hires will be needed as the station readies for service.
Who said what: ‘‘The capital plan shows that, without additional revenue, we will not be able to staff and equip Station 84 at service levels the township expects,’’ Fiscal Officer Paul Lambert said during the budget discussion. Fire Chief Dave Baird said the Station 84 project will require both capital and recurring payroll funding and outlined the need for additional firefighters and apparatus.
What remains uncertain: Voters must approve the levy before the township can rely on the projected ongoing revenue; even with levy approval, trustees must finalize debt terms. Trustees said they prefer a private placement for a shorter, lower‑cost borrowing with options for early payoff but may consider a public offering if market conditions or timelines warrant.
The board’s votes were unanimous. The ballot language and auditor certifications were submitted in mid‑December to the Franklin County Board of Elections as required for a March 2024 primary ballot placement.
Provenance: Minutes and motions supporting this article appear in the Township minutes and motions recorded Dec. 5, 2023 (motion #231205.01 and #231205.02) and in earlier entries where counsel, advisors and CMAR were selected (July–Aug 2023).
