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NEWTON TOWNSHIP -- The Newton Falls Joint Fire District has approved placing a 2.5-mill, five-year renewal levy on the November ballot to raise funds for emergency medical and ambulance service.
The fire district serves Newton Falls Village and Newton Township.
Fire Chief James Williamson said at a special meeting Monday the levy generates $316,000 annually to be used only for day-to-day EMS and ambulance service operations. The levy has been renewed by voters each time it is on the ballot.
He said the owner of a $100,000 home would continue paying $79 per year, with no increase because it's a renewal.
Williamson said the fire district made between 2,300 and 2,400 runs in 2022 and he expects the department to exceed that this year. He said as of June 30, the fire district has had 1,059 calls compared to 1,040 through June 2022.
NEW LOCATION
In other business, the fire board has been discussing constructing a new fire station because the current one is no longer big enough for the increased staff and all the equipment.
Williamson said there has been talk of locating the new station in a section of the parking lot by the police department / municipal court building and near the Cadle Company building.
"We are no longer little Newton Falls. We are seeing more and more calls in recent years. The population is getting older and is a reason for more calls. The needs are increasing," he said.
Williamson said further discussion will take place at the Aug. 15 meeting.
The fire district has a chief and 38 members, with four people on staff from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and two from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Board president Justin Montgomery said the idea of a new fire station has been discussed for many years.
"On the agenda is economic development and this has been discussed for years under prior administrations. We brainstorm at every meeting on ideas of what to do," he said.
Williamson said the new building would get all equipment and personnel in one facility. Now, some equipment is located at the police / court building.
In other action, the board:
• Hired Justin Hofstettler of Champion as a firefighter / paramedic at $20 per hour; Kelly Kimple of Leavittsburg as firefighter / emergency medical technician at $18 per hour; and David Hoffman of Austintown as firefighter / paramedic at $20 per hour, all on a part-time basis and serving a one-year probationary period;
• Approved the Hubbard Eagle Joint Fire District borrowing a medic vehicle for a short period of time. The Hubbard district's insurance will cover any incident that may arise;
• Tabled for a future meeting entering into a contract with Ohio First Responders for services in obtaining an Assistance to Firefighters Grant for a new ladder truck. The contract is being reviewed by legal counsel. Officials said the grant will help the department purchase a combination ladder / rescue truck to help reduce maintenance, fuel and insurance cost;
• Returned Robert Sharpe to part-time status following a leave of absence as firefighter / paramedic at $20 per hour effective July 25;
• Accepted the resignation of Caleb Quinn, who plans to return to the Air Force Reserve.