The Key benefit is the addition of full-time staff for the first time in station history. Filling all positions for each shift guarantees every unit can respond when needed. Having full-time personnel in the rotation provides consistency and increased organization within the department, leading to greater quality of service and quicker response times. Other district benefits include equal share, equal say and equal cost per citizen across a larger area. They install fire detectors and carry replacement batteries to replace throughout the community.
Frequently Asked Questions - NWFD
How will the Levy affect me?
The Levy initiative on the November 2, 2021 ballot will replace existing levies, and will institute one standard rate across the district. The funds will be aimed at reducing response times for our fire & ems crews. The 8 Mill levy will cost the average homeowner in our district an additional $18 per month. The structure of the levy will offer the residents a long term solution for fire and EMS, with equal and fair cost burden, allowing all stakeholders to have ownership, accountability, and trust.
Township trustees have worked together to form a fire district. Can they do that?
Yes. Ohio Revised Code grants authority to township trustees to establish all necessary regulations to guard against the occurrence of fires (O.R.C. 505.37). Fire protection measures can take many forms. Trustees may adopt fire code, authorize a fire chief to organize a volunteer fire company, enter fire protection contracts for service, or use their discretion to create a fire district of such portions of the township as they deem necessary.
How can residents learn more about this new district?
Now that Northwestern Joint Fire District has been formally brought into existence, the Trustee Representatives will begin work on many items during 2020. One initiative is to host future townhall style meetings to inform the public and entertain questions. In the meantime, look for public meeting dates at http://www.northwesternfiredepartment.com. You can also learn more about the history and how the district came about at our About Us page.
Will our Fire and EMS service suffer because of this?
No. Quite the opposite. This collaboration of Liberty, Taylor, and York Townships gives the department more security for the long term. The formation of this district allows us to depart from the revolving door of contract renewals. This reduces the risk of financial support leaving the station if a township should choose to contract for service elsewhere. The three townships are now in this together, sharing resources and talent for the good of Station 291. The department can now plan further down the road for improved service and the addition of full-time personnel.
What’s this going to do to my taxes?
The Northwestern Joint Fire District is currently operating on revenue dollars collected from individual fire levies under each partnering township. The revenue generated from these existing levies have been used to establish and operate the newly formed fire district. Per the original plan when the fire district was formed, the new “additional” millage/levy being brought forward by the board is to REPLACE all district operating revenue currently generated by the individual township fire levies.
An advantage of a fire district is the establishment of equal and fair cost burden across a greater geographical area. This assures all residents will share the benefits of economic growth within the district. Essentially, the existing township revenue divides are erased with the passing of a new fire district levy.
Do residents have a say?
Yes. Residents voice their approval or disapproval of the district in the voting booth, the same as they’ve done with any fire levy in the past. This will occur when a district levy is placed on the ballot.
Do our first responders approve of the newly formed district?
Yes. Personnel from Station 291 have been instrumental in turning the idea of a district into reality.
