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NEWTON FALLS -- Newton Township trustees are considering changes with a new contract for the Newton Falls Joint Fire District, which serves both the township and village.
Trustee John Nemet, who sits on the fire board as the township's representative, said at this week's trustees meeting he is looking at possibly changing where the money goes.
He said the township's fire levy generates $66,000 annually and the township's share to the fire district is $55,000. Nemet said language in the contract is that the remaining approximately $10,000 should go to the district.
But trustees would prefer that remaining money stay in the township's fire fund.
"We basically want that stricken out of the contract that anything that is carried over in the fire fund be sent to the fire department. The fire district within the next couple of years or this coming year hasn't collected any new monies from any of the entities over the past nine years. They are going to need an increase sooner or later. That increase will eventually hit on contributions," Nemet said.
Trustee Chairman Pete Augusta said trustees want to keep the remaining levy money in the fire fund in case there is an increase in the township's contribution to the district. He said trustees do not want to have to take any money out of the general fund for the district.
Augusta said levy funds only can be used for fire-related items such as equipment.
SHARED FUNDING
Nemet said officials are looking at the way the fire district is being funded and said a districtwide levy among the township and village may be the possible way in the future, instead of contributions.
Nemet said the local fire district is funded by contributions from member entities, while other fire districts are funded by one main districtwide levy.
Nemet said while the township pays $55,000, the village contributes around $72,000 from its general fund.
The local fire district was formed in 1997 with 1,500 calls reported in 2020.
Township fiscal officer Susan Montgomery said if the fire district can't take care of itself, it will fall on the village and township to do so.
Trustees said they would look and see what funds or grants can be used toward a possible second fire station in the township to support more of the rural areas. The current fire department is within the village.
"We could also take the remaining money and help the fire department secure land for another fire station in the township. We will not be able to afford a $2 million fire department. That will not happen unless we get a lot of grant money," Nemet said.
Trustee Doreen Lutz said she is not sure what the best answer will be for the fire district if a levy were to be considered.
"No one wants to hurt the fire department, but I do not know if a districtwide levy would pass. We want it to be fair to the village and the township,'' Lutz said.
Nemet said if the districtwide levy were approved, the current fire tax levy would be repealed.
Trustees tabled the contract and are scheduled to vote on the contract at the organizational meeting 6:30 p.m. Monday at town hall.
Village council voted 3-2 on Dec. 21 approving the contract. First Ward Councilman Adam Zmmerman said at that meeting that, after reviewing the contract, he found it would be good for the village and township. Council members Tarry Alberini and Sandra Breymaier also supported it, while council members John Baryak and Tesa Spletzer voted against.