*** PROVIDED AS INFORMATION ONLY FOR RESIDENTS ***

FIRE DEPARTMENT FALL 2026 LEVY to maintain current staffing and response

THE LAST LEVY WAS IN 2008

The Fire Department has reached the limit of what 2008 funding levels can sustain for personnel, equipment and facilities. Revenue has remained steady but costs have increased.

THIS LEVY:

• Is a 4.5 mill levy that will generate $3,592,748 in revenue for Fire Department operations
• Daily operations include personnel, equipment and operating expenses

INCREASING COSTS: EQUIPMENT

• A fire engine costs 4X now than it did in 2003
• An ambulance costs 3X what it cost in 2007
• LifePack monitors (used during transport when there is a cardiac emergency) cost nearly 3X what they did in 2012

INCREASING COSTS: PERSONNEL

• 2018: Started to move to 24/7 staffing
• Previously relied on volunteers who had to leave their house to pick up equipment on the way to the fire
• 24/7 staffing allows for a faster response and more reliable coverage
• Minimum of 6 employees per shift to cover the Township
• Preferred staffing level is 10 employees per unit day with the shift model being 3 unit days

INCREASING COSTS:  UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT

Each firefighter needs uniforms, turn out gear, and equipment to safely provide service to the community.  The cost to provide this is over $15,000 per employee. NFPA standards require that turn out gear is replaced every 10 years.

INCREASING GROWTH:

• Calls for service have increased 37% since 2008
• Population has increased 27% since 2008
• Largest township in Warren County with over 60 square miles to cover using 3 fire stations
• Growth trend is expected to continue

PREVIOUS LEVIES:

• 4 previous levies from 1986 - 2008
• Remain in place to take advantage of State-funded rollbacks, which currently pay 12.5% of property taxes on an owner-occupied home
• Were passed at 7 mills that collect at a reduced millage rate of 2.75 mills due to growth in the community
• Currently collect $2,240,000

LEVY REVENUE:

• Each $100,000 of property valuation will generate $158 of revenue
• 100% of levy revenue will support the Fire Department’s operations

MORE INFORMATION:

• info@turtlecreektownship.org
• Call 513-932-4902
• www.turtlecreektownship.org