By Lawrence Budd
The Dayton Daily News
MIAMI TWP., Ohio — Along with state and county issues, voters in Miami Twp. will be considering a five-year, 3.65-mill replacement levy to fund the local fire department on Nov. 8 ballots.
The levy, Issue 7, is expected to raise about $2.3 million a year for operation of the department, which includes five medic units, four engine companies and one ladder company, with combined staffing of 60 full- and part-time firefighters.
“It directly affects their safety,” township Trustee Mike Nolan said.
“The people down here are happy with the services.”
The department is responsible for fire and rescue in the neighborhoods and businesses in areas of the township outside Miamis-burg, including the Dayton Mall and Austin Landing.
The department spends about $5.2 million a year, with other funds coming from a second 3.5-mill levy expiring in 2013.
About $700,000 a year is raised through fees charged for calls for an ambulance and to motor vehicle accidents.
The money would be spent funding the township’s portion of a joint fire district being formed with Miamisburg.
The levy is expected to cost homeowners $111.78 a year for every $100,000 of property value, 10 cents a year more than the current levy.
In November 2006, 57 percent of township voters approved a 3.65 replacement levy for fire services.
Failure of the levy would prompt cuts and another issue on ballots next May, Fire Chief Mat-thew Queen said.
“We would have to look to making cuts in service, cuts in personnel,” Queen said.
This week, campaign signs should be posted, along with information about the levy on the department website, Queen said.
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