On March 19, 2024, voters will be asked to vote on a 6.5 mil 5-year, additional levy for the County Line Joint Fire District. This levy is the first fire and EMS levy increase asked of voters for many years. The current levy is 4.05 mil, which is a combination of both fire and EMS. The 6.5 mil is not in addition to the 4.05 current millage but would replace them. The 4.05 mil levy will be petitioned to expire upon the approval by the voters for the 6.5 mil levy.
The 6.5 mil levy will generate approximately $956,950 per year. This will cost the taxpayer $227.50 per $100,000 of assessed value of their property. Currently, Washington Township is paying $100.47 while Morgan Township is paying $81.51 per $100,000. All current fire and EMS levies will expire when the 6.5 mil levy passes. Ultimately, this would require at most, an additional $145.00 per $100,000 of assessed property value.
The current operations include staffing two personnel 24/7, a part-time fire chief, a part-time fiscal officer, and supplemented with multiple dedicated volunteers from our community. We are governed by a board consisting of a representative from Washington Township, Morgan Township, and the Village of Utica.
The district makes this request in response to the increased costs associated with running any fire department. As we all know, the costs of operating our own households have increased dramatically in recent years. Since 2020, inflation has increased 15.9%*. In 2013, an ambulance would cost around $200,000. Today, we will be over $300,000 and will take three years to build. In 2013, a fire engine would cost approximately $400,000. Today, we will spend about $800,000 and take three years to build. Utica Volunteer Fire and Utica EMS have been continuing to provide services at the expense of their savings accounts and cost-cutting efforts.
By combining fire and EMS, in the first month, we have already seen a decrease in our payroll expenses. We have also seen a decrease in other expenses that were being duplicated. As a government public entity, we are eligible to apply for additional funding that is not afforded to private fire and EMS. In our first month of operation, we have applied for over $30,000 in grant funds with two additional grants in the works.
With the passage of the levy, the district would staff three personnel 24/7, be able to start replacing aging equipment, and explore the option of providing an appropriate Fire Station designed with living quarters, safe storage of gear and equipment, and provide an essential facility for the community.
While County Line Joint Fire District is new, we understand and respect the fiscal prudence due for the citizens of the community. We will strive to provide the highest level of service possible to the community with integrity and pride. Our commitment is to the members of the community and all those who pass through “Our Country Village.” For more information concerning the levy, you may contact us at paccljfd@gmail.com, or chiefcljfd@gmail.com.
We are offering an open house on Feb. 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please feel free to stop by and meet the members of the district.
