Lake Twp.: EMS levy finds wide support

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A new property tax levy that will fund paramedic service in Lake Township received voter support throughout the township in Tuesday’s election, losing in only one precinct.
The 1.5-mill, 5-year levy easily passed, receiving 3,149 votes in support (68.3 percent) to 2,441 against (31.7 percent).
In Precinct 370 (Lake Twp. East), the levy received its strongest support with 525 votes. Precinct 390 (Lake Twp. Latcha) was second in voter support with 500 votes; followed by Precinct 420 (Lake Twp. Union) with 463 votes, Precinct 430 (Lake Twp. Walbridge A) with 448 votes, Precinct 371 (Lake Twp. North) with 438 votes, Precinct 432 (Lake Twp. Walbridge B) with 405 votes, and Precinct 400 (Lake Twp. Millbury) with 370.
The levy only fell in Precinct 420 where it lost by 18 votes – 463 for to 481 against.
Richard Welling, a township trustee, said he was pleased with the support the levy received, adding it had to overcome false claims by some opponents in the township.
“We needed it really bad,” he said. “The people ignored the kooks and crazies on social media who all have hidden agendas and hide behind their keyboards.”
The levy will generate approximately $500,000 annually, Welling said.
The trustees plan to hire four full-time paramedics, three of whom are on the department roster as part-timers and could be promoted to full-time status. Currently, there are two full-time paramedics on the department roster, he said.
Last year, voters in the township rejected a 4.2-mill, continuing levy for paramedic service.
Welling said he believed voters this year were more comfortable with the lower millage and 5-year limit on the levy.
A 1-mill, 5-year renewal levy that funds the township fire department also received township-wide support and passed in all precincts: 3,824 for to 1,775 against. The levy received its most votes of support – 658 – in Precinct 370.
Voters in Precinct 420 cast the most votes against it – 366 – but the levy still passed in the precinct with 578 voters supporting it.
The township trustees last week appointed Brandon Rosebrock, a captain, to interim fire chief. Dave Henninger, the current interim chief, is on medical leave.
Fire departments in other Wood County jurisdictions also approved fire department and EMS levies.
Voters in Freedom Township passed a 1-mill, 5-year renewal levy for the fire department and Emergency Medical Service and Troy Township voters renewed a 1.8-mill, 3-year levy for ambulance service.