ROSSFORD, Ohio — Rossford may finally have a solution to its firefighter shortage after the city administrator presented three options to city council.
Gary Illconich was one of many Rossford residents who shared their opinion on the options presented at Monday's city council meeting. He wants a say in what happens next with the department.
"They need a levy, they need the taxpayers and the City of Rossford to agree to a fire levy and let the citizens make a decision, not city council," Illconich said.
The first option is to have the department be standalone and hire 15 full-time firefighters. This would give the department relief in six to 12 months. The cost is estimated at $2.7 million for the city and an additional $200 tax per year on a home valued at $100,000. Homeowners currently pay $133 per $100,000 a year.
The second option is to form a fire district with one or more neighboring communities that would give relief in six to 12 months. This would cost the city an estimated $2.5 million and homeowners an additional $280.
The third option is to contract with a neighboring community like Perrysburg Township, which would give relief in four to six weeks. It would cost $1.6 million and no additional tax to homeowners.
Lt. Chris Segura is a union steward for the Rossford Fire Department and said he's not in favor of any of the options right now.
"There were only three options presented and as the saying goes, there are more than 1,000 ways to skin a cat and there's lots of options available," Segura said.
The third option of contracting with a neighboring community gives him extra concern. The city said if this option is picked, current EMS and fire employees will need to re-apply. Segura is worried they won't get hired back.
"We have someone that's been here for 22 years and they have to reapply for the job and they're not guaranteed to get a job," Segura said. "Perrysburg Township has part-time people that they're more than likely to hire first. They are going to take care of their own people first."
Council will decide which option the city will pursue. Council member Brenna Reynolds said she's undecided right now.
"I believe that the conversation needs to continue and timing is important. This is an urgent issue," Reynolds said. "But I do believe that we need to give people as many opportunities as possible to bring their concerns to city council and for me to represent them."
Rossford Mayor Neil MacKinnon said a decision from council could happen in four weeks. If options one or two are picked, it would need to go to voters.
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