On November 2nd, 2021, The Ross Township Fire Department will ask Ross Township voters to renew the 3-mill levy currently supporting fire department operations. This levy is placed on the ballot every five years and represents NO INCREASE in taxes. Passage of this levy will provide for the maintenance of fire apparatus and buildings, payment of firefighter salaries, purchasing ambulance equipment, and for providing ambulance, paramedic, or other emergency medical services. This funding has been in place since 2005 and has been renewed several times without increasing taxes. It is imperative that we maintain this funding to ensure our firefighter/paramedics are ready to meet the needs of our growing community.
In 2014, voters continued their support of the fire department and voted in favor of an additional 2.75-mill levy. The additional levy funding was requested to make up for losses due to the Local Government Fund cuts. This funding has allowed the department to be fiscally responsible and sustainable. Since the passage of this levy, the department has been able to add three full-time personnel, as well as many other enhancements to our department. The department also announced this year the Insurance Service rating for the department remained an ISO rating of 3 and in the top 7% of the most capable fire departments throughout the country. The rating means a savings of insurance costs to both residential and commercial properties.
In the last five years, the department has seen an increasing demand in calls for service, community outreach, and community risk reduction tasks. As the department adapts to the community’s ever-changing needs, we must continue a holistic approach to be proactive, produce measurable results, and remain fiscally responsible. It is vital to our department’s success to provide adequate funding to support our mission while providing the taxpayers the best possible value. We have created a budget plan that reflects the department’s vision, supports the activities necessary to achieve its mission and goals, and continuously evaluates its effectiveness. One of our goals was to prepare a five-year and ten-year budget forecast that accurately shows the department’s funding requirements. Through these budget forecasts, the department feels it is not necessary to replace this levy.
We realize the Ross Township community carries a large tax burden already and we will ask for only exactly what we need.
The Ross Township Fire Department has managed your tax dollars responsibly and we ask for your continued support to ensure the efficient operation of this department.
Respectfully,
Chief Steve Miller, OFE and the Members of the Ross Twp. Fire Department