Norwich trustees file 4‑mill fire levy, approve dispatching switch to Hilliard

Norwich Township trustees adopted a resolution to place a 4.0‑mill fire levy before voters and later negotiated a joint dispatching agreement with the City of Hilliard.

At a January meeting trustees instructed the clerk to prepare materials and revenue estimates for a proposed 4.0‑mill levy to support the Norwich Township Fire Department; the formal resolution was adopted and filed for the May primary. The minutes record that the levy passed on May 2, 1989, and the trustees thanked residents and volunteers for supporting the effort.

Trustees then spent months pursuing a consolidated dispatching arrangement. The board met with Charles Schneider and other Hilliard officials to evaluate costs and equipment needs; Hilliard provided an equipment and reimbursement proposal that included phone-line and E‑911 hookups. The trustees approved a joint dispatching agreement that makes the City of Hilliard the primary dispatching provider, effective Jan. 1, 1990, and accepted Hilliard’s terms for equipment contributions and partial reimbursement.

Why it matters: the levy provides dedicated revenue for fire apparatus, personnel and emergency services; shifting dispatching is intended to centralize 911 handling and reduce duplication of equipment and staff across neighboring jurisdictions.

What trustees authorized: the record shows the board (a) filed and approved the 4‑mill levy resolution for placement on the ballot, (b) accepted Hilliard’s equipment/cost proposal and (c) approved the joint dispatching agreement effective Jan. 1, 1990. Motions on the record passed by voice vote with trustees recorded as voting ‘Aye.’

Next steps: the minutes show implementation actions — equipment purchases and interagency coordination — assigned to the chief and clerk, and continuing follow‑up with Hilliard on installation, training and any outstanding equipment reimbursements.