CHAMPION — Township trustees are assessing the millage rate required for an additional fire levy to be included on the May primary ballot.

Fire Chief Tom Dempsey told trustees Tuesday the fire department is grappling with a shortage of personnel and a need for equipment.

“Staffing is our main concern, but there is also a need to replace aging equipment,” Dempsey said.

He said it is recommended there be three people on staff at the fire department per shift.

Trustee Chairman Doug Emerine said while both issues are important, it would be staffing that needs to be addressed first.

“No matter what is decided, this will be a hot topic,” Emerine said.

Fiscal Officer Laurie Jo Miller and Dempsey plan to review what millage will be needed for a levy or possibly two levies to generate funds for the fire department.

A special meeting has been scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday to give first reading to place a levy on the ballot. Miller said two readings will be needed to get the levy on the May ballot before the Feb. 1 deadline.

She said that in May 2025 the township was able to get an additional police levy passed by the voters. Voters in Champion showed their support to the police department by passing a 1.6-mill, five-year additional police levy to help maintain services.

Miller said a fire levy could be anywhere from 2 mills to 3.5 mills depending on what amount would be needed.

Miller said a firetruck would cost $1 million and an ambulance would cost $180,000, and upgrades to the fire department would cost $40,000. She said there would also be costs for staffing the fire department.

Emerine said the staffing issue is top priority since any equipment received would not have anyone to use it.

He said trustees and Dempsey will speak with neighboring township officials who Champion provides mutual aid and assistance to and vice versa.

“We can’t allow neighboring departments’ staffing problems to become our problems. We want to support our neighbors and work with our neighbors, but if they do not have the staff for their own departments, we can’t use our people to do that for them,” Emerine said.

He said the township does have a contract with Southington to provide emergency medical service and fire assistance.

Dempsey said the Champion Fire Department’s priority is providing service and protection for Champion.

“I feel a 3.5-mill levy is a large amount to ask for. Perhaps we can look at something less,” Emerine said.

He said the staffing and equipment issues in the fire department will not be going away.

Trustee Rick York suggested two smaller levies, one for funds for personnel and staffing and the other for equipment.

“We can let the public decide if they would support both or one or the other. We can give the voters both options,” York said.

Emerine said the township will receive some financial benefits with the joint economic development district between Champion and Warren for the Mercy Health emergency complex being constructed off Educational Highway.

He said when a marijuana dispensary off Route 45 opens, there will also be taxes for the township.

Miller said after meeting with Dempsey and consulting with trustees, a proposed additional levy will be presented at Tuesday’s special meeting.

She said a 1-mill levy generates around $256,000 annually.

Miller said that in 2028 a current fire levy will be up for renewal.