FAYETTE, Ohio — The Gorham-Fayette Fire Department in Fulton County is hoping voters approve a levy for more money.
But what does that mean for the area? Fire chief Thomas Franks said the passing of this levy is needed to maintain things like fire equipment and staffing.
The department is seeking a new, five-year, 3-mill levy on the November 2024 general election ballot.
Issue 8 is a proposed property tax levy. The fire department said the previous levy ran out and didn't get placed on a previous ballot so the department has been without the additional money for all of 2024.
This levy would be an additional $30 for the owner of a $100,000 home.
Franks said the $180,000 it will generate each year will mainly be used to provide and maintain fire apparatus, buildings and would allow permanent, part-time or volunteer firefighters to operate and continue their efforts.
"We really need this levy to pass because being a small town department, you have to have funds to run," Franks said. "If we don't have the funds to run and keep going, we can't help you if you can't help us."
Franks said the levy would be used to help pay for resources such as fire trucks and training.
"Our biggest issue is keeping our trainings and that up because there's a cost to that. When we take new members on, we have to pay for their training and stuff and also how to get them to the classes and that. We pay for all that," Franks said. "The cost is tight for us and it's going to be real tight if the levy doesn't pass."
"It's a big expense to keep things going with the cost of equipment, replacing the equipment, maintaining the equipment,” Brian Towers, Gorham Township trustee said.
Some longtime residents from Fayette are hoping that Issue 8 gets enough "yes" votes to pass.
"There is a right, but we need it. Without a good fire department, we don't have a good town," Fayette resident Larry Leavy said. "We have to have a fire department for the rescue squad and fire. We need it badly."
Others feel like paying their fair share is just fine.
"I think we pay enough taxes, but this is important. It's to save people's lives," Fayette resident Randy Hardee said. "So if it can help, let's do it."