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Port Clinton council approves 3.9‑mill fire levy to go on May primary ballot
Summary
Port Clinton City Council adopted Resolution 25‑11 on Dec. 23 to request Ottawa County certification for a 3.9‑mill property tax levy to fund the fire department; Council adopted the measure 5‑1 after hearing Fire Chief Gutman outline reduced volunteer levels and rising operating costs.
Port Clinton — The Port Clinton City Council on Dec. 23 adopted Resolution 25‑11, asking the Ottawa County Auditor to certify the dollar amount and current tax valuation needed to place a 3.9‑mill property tax levy for the fire department on the May primary ballot.
The adoption followed motions to waive the three readings and retain an emergency clause; the final adoption vote was recorded 5‑1, with Cathy King the lone dissenting vote. Pat Hovis moved the measures and Avery Robinson seconded the adoption motions during the meeting at Linda Hartlaub City Hall Chambers.
The levy — described in the resolution as a 3.9‑mill operating levy under Section 5705.19(I) of the Revised Code — was presented to council as necessary to address staffing and operating shortfalls. Fire Chief Gutman said the department once relied heavily on volunteers but now “we had forty‑five volunteers, we are currently at fourteen,” adding that the prior levy approved in 2006 (1.9 mills) reflected an era when the department was nearly all volunteer and an $80,000 operating budget “doesn't cover one of our department full‑time members” today. Chief Gutman also said the city created its own EMS after third‑party costs and volunteer decline made outside service impractical.
Gabe Below, speaking for finance staff during the meeting, confirmed the measure needs county certification ahead of filing deadlines; President Lisa Sarty noted additional submission steps are required prior to the Feb. 4 deadline referenced in the meeting.
Why it matters: Council and the fire chief framed the levy as a response to a structural shift in local emergency services and the expiration of a grant that previously offset personnel costs. Chief Gutman said local EMS provides mutual aid and contracted coverage for neighboring townships and that current operating revenues and soft billing for interfacility transports are insufficient to close the gap.
What happens next: With council's adoption, the city will ask the Ottawa County Auditor to certify valuation and revenue projections that determine the levy’s estimated yield; filing steps must be completed before the Feb. 4 deadline to secure placement on the May primary ballot.
The council adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
