Vote Yes on Fire Levy Issue 4

Summary

Sugarcreek Township is asking for a 1 mill levy that equates to $35/$100,000 in property value to support the 60% increase in the number of emergency calls and the cost of firefighting and EMS services. there have been No new tax levies since 2016. When this levy passes, it will go into effect in 2026 and will have been 10 years since the last levy funding! When this levy passes, it will go into effect in 2026 and will have been 10 years since the last levy funding!

Considering continued service delivery issues and a projected shortfall in the Fire and EMS budgets, revenue affecting the fire budget, township trustees concluded a fire levy was the only fix and unanimously voted to place the levy on the ballot (Resolution 25.01.17.01).

You may ask, “why vote yes?”. The staff of our Fire and EMS services directly impact on the lives and welfare of Sugarcreek Township residents. Whether responding to emergencies, providing life-saving medical care or protecting property, the work of our fire department staff is essential in protecting our community during the most vulnerable of situations.

Over the past 10 years, the township has experienced an average annual population growth rate of 1.72%, and this growth is assumed to continue. This, of course, adds extra strain on fire and EMS services provided by the township. In addition, the age of the township’s population is also an important indicator of the township’s future service needs. National trends have indicated that there is an increase in residents who wish to ‘age in place,’ which means that as the township population ages, so do the services that need to be provided. Sugarcreek Township has one of the top median ages (44.4) of all nearby communities, including a higher median age than the county and state. Our local fire fighters and paramedics are a dedicated group of professionals who put their lives on the line to protect our community regardless of circumstances; however, the Fire and EMS budgets will run short before the end of FY 2025. This Levy, although funding will not take place until 2026, will help alleviate future budget constraints.

VOTE YES on Issue 4

Fireside Chats Around Town

Join us for chats with firefighters and/or EMS staff on the following dates and locations. Your questions will be answered! Here are our dates, times and locations:

• Wednesday, April 23 from 6:30 to 8PM at Winans on Feedwire.
• Wednesday, April 30 from 6:30 to 8PM at Bellbrook Brewery on Franklin St.

Can’t attend a fireside chat? Feel free to send an email with your questions/concerns to: [email protected]