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West Licking Fire chief outlines declining effective millage, staffing needs ahead of May 6 replacement levy
Summary
West Licking Joint Fire District leaders told Hebron council the district's effective tax rate has fallen and staffing pressures persist as they place a 3‑mill replacement levy on the May 6 ballot; chiefs cited nearly 9,000 calls last year, six stations and a need to remain competitive on pay to retain experienced firefighters.
West Licking Joint Fire District Chief Treinish briefed the Hebron Village Council on April 23 about the district’s finances, staffing and service demand ahead of a replacement levy on the May 6 ballot. He said the district’s cumulative voted millage is 11 mills while the effective rate fell from 8.8 mills in 2023 to 6.6 mills last year; the Licking County Auditor projects the rate could drop to about 5.7 mills in 2026.
Chief Treinish told council that the district responded to nearly 9,000 calls for service last year across rural and denser residential and commercial areas. He said the May 6 measure is a replacement of a three‑mill levy originally approved in 2016; a separate four‑mill levy that was on the ballot last November was defeated and the board adjusted the request accordingly.
Assistant Chief Krouse outlined operational details and staffing: the district operates six firehouses with engines, medic units and specialty apparatus, has 91 full‑time firefighters, and has capacity for 39 part‑time positions though only about 13 part‑time staff are currently onboard. He said dispatching is handled by GPS and that heat‑map data for run volumes guided resource planning. Krouse emphasized retention and competitive pay, noting that long‑tenured firefighters provide institutional knowledge that cannot be quickly replaced.
Council members and fire leaders also discussed how annexations in Union Township and splitting of tax districts complicate revenue projections. Mayor Valerie Mockus and council members asked questions about how annexations and shifting jurisdictional boundaries affect the auditor’s ability to project millage and about next steps for public outreach.
The presentation did not produce formal council action; Councilmembers thanked the fire leaders and noted the fire district’s plans will be part of public outreach prior to the May 6 ballot.
