Editor’s Note: This article was corrected on April 30, 2025, at 7:40 p.m. to reflect the correct millage of the replacement levy is 5.925, not 5.295.
CENTERBURG — The Central Ohio Joint Fire District is again asking voters in Milford and Hilliar townships and Centerburg village to pass a replacement levy for operations.
The four-year, 5.925-mill replacement levy would generate $1,468,000 annually. The cost to taxpayers is $207 for every $100,000 in residential property valuation, up $63.33 from the current $143.67 valuation.
Voters rejected the levy in November 2024 by a 51.94% to 48.06% margin.
The COJFD board discussed putting the levy on as a renewal, or lowering the millage on a replacement levy. The board ultimately opted for the 5.925-mill replacement levy.
Levy opponents say homeowners already feel overtaxed and the department needs to tighten its belt like homeowners. They note the department can put another levy on the November 2025 ballot.
Chief Mark McCann cites increasing costs, the uncertainty of some revenue streams, and the desire to pay off the station’s mortgage and save $250,000 in interest as reasons to pass the levy.
“As a taxpayer in Hilliar Township, I would rather make vehicle payments than interest payments,” he said at the April village council meeting.
The station’s mortgage is a variable-rate loan. McCann said the rate increased in 2024, and the department’s .575-mill mortgage levy did not generate enough revenue to cover the payments.
The department drew from its general fund to cover the difference.
McCann told Centerburg Village Council members last December that the department would reach a funding gap in November if voters did not pass the levy on May 6.
“I get it’s what hits your pocket,” McCann said of the replacement levy. “But you are protecting you and your neighbor.”
Uncertain revenue and rising wages
The department’s expenses in 2024 were $2.801 million. Revenue was $2.781 million.
EMS billing, the South Bloomfield contract, grants, interest income, and donations supplement levy funds.
Of the additional revenue streams, McCann said, “You’re relying on income sources that are very volatile.”
South Bloomfield Township in Morrow County pays $175,000 for COJFD coverage and accounts for 20% of the department’s runs.
McCann said the township could pull out of the contract at any time.
Losing the contract would also reduce the 2024 EMS revenue of $307,454 by an estimated $61,490 (20% of $307,454).
“That contract looks like income, but I would not rely on it,” he said. “If you take that South Bloomfield contract away at $175,000, plus EMS billing, there’s $225,000 that I could lose in a heartbeat. And I have no control over that.”
At the April council meeting, McCann said the Knox County Foundation denied a grant request to cover two heart monitors costing $56,000 each.
Additionally, a $17,670 Ohio Department of Natural Resources grant to replace radios is on hold due to uncertainty at the federal level.
Wages
As with most organizations, wages account for most of COJFD’s budget.
COJFD’s pay scale ranges from $58,000 to $78,000, depending on experience. The firefighters’ collective bargaining agreement calls for a 1% pay increase each year.
COJFD is in year three of the three-year contract.
McCann said the board approved the raises based on passing replacement levies.
“We are still super, super underpaid,” he said. “The levy has to be replaced or this is not sustainable.”
STAR investments
COJFD has $963,000 in its STAR investment account. The department drew on the account to help pay salaries until voters passed a levy.
Of the $963,000, $750,000 will go toward the new fire truck, which will arrive in June. The truck replaces a defunct 2001 truck.
Fire trucks have a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years. Front-line service is about 10 years.
Ambulances have a lifespan of around 10 years.
A new vehicle takes three years to arrive.
The department has a 2012 medic, a 2002 grass truck, and a 2006 engine.
McCann plans to use STAR money to order a medic ($450,000) in 2026 or 2027.
He anticipates ordering a grass fire truck in 2027 or 2028 ($175,000) and an engine (current price $1.1 million) in 2029 or 2030.
In addition to the increased costs for new vehicles, McCann said insurance costs rose 7.8%. Electric and auto insurance also increased, and the department paid $99,007 in hidden costs such as licenses and fees.
The department installed 18 hydrants in Hilliar Township for $2,800 each.
“That’s taxpayers’ money going back to protect them,” McCann said.
“I am very thankful for the voters. I will not spend a dime if I don’t have to,” he added.
