Copley Fire Chief Chris Bower pulled few punches when discussing the need for the fire department replacement levy that township voters will see on the Nov. 5 General Election ballot.
“Without this levy, we will cut staff next year,” Bower said. “Moving into subsequent years, the cuts will become even greater.”
Bower said entire fire station closures could occur within two years, should the levy fail.
On the ballot will be a replacement of the township’s current 2.5-mill continuous fire levy with a 1.5-mill increase for departmental operations and equipment.
If passed, the total 4 mills would generate $2.1 million annually and cost the owner of a $100,000 valuation home $140 per year, or $52.50 more than they are currently paying, according to township officials. If the levy does not pass, the fire department will continue to collect on the 2.5 mills, which currently brings in $1.14 million per year.