Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Fire Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Township weighs referendum and paid fire staffing amid levy constraints
Summary
Committee discussed adding a referendum to ask residents about funding a paid fire department and paid ambulance; the draft includes $80,000 for one full-time fire position, a per-call pay line, and other program funds.
Committee members discussed potential changes to how the township funds emergency services. Mrs. Ehret said the draft includes "$80,000 in the budget for that person, $15.00 per call made to max at $33,000. And $50,000 in the Saver program," and that staff planned to inform residents via a referendum so they understand the possibility of moving to a paid fire department going forward.
Mayor Bomba and others noted a potential structural change: moving to a fire district would remove that service from the CAP (appropriation limit) laws, which could affect long-term financing. Mayor Bomba summarized the purpose to "ask the residents about funding a paid fire department and paid ambulance." The committee did not vote on a referendum at the meeting; they discussed including the question on a future ballot and flagged the matter for further community outreach.
