WHAT IS ISSUE 56?
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ISSUE 56 is a Fire and EMS 2.25 Mill Renewal Levy. It is the renewal of an existing
levy. Funding from this levy will end this year. Residents will not incur any additional costs by approving this renewal levy.
ISSUE 56, if renewed, will continue to provide support for the Fire/EMS Department's
salaries, benefits, vehicle and equipment repairs, training, building maintenance,
repairs and operating costs, Fire and EMS operating supplies and gear, and smaller
capital equipment replacement.
ISSUE 56: COVENTRY FIRE/EMS RENEWAL LEVY
HOME VALUE
ANNUAL COST
DAILY
$100,000
$68.91
$ 0.05
$120,000
$82.69
$ 0.06
$150,000
$103.36
$ 0.07
HOW DOES THE FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENT WORK TO REDUCE THE
TAX BURDEN?
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We take exceptional care of our equipment so it lasts longer and requires less maintenance. Our equipment is in excellent condition; but everything wears out eventually.
We aggressively seek and apply for State & Federal Grants. In fact, the Township
has received almost $600,000 in grant funding for training, part-time staffing and
capital equipment purchases since 2005.
Coventry Fire/EMS has initiated merging services with neighboring fire departments in
order to increase service while decreasing operating expenses.
Our Fire and EMS costs are also offset by resident and non-resident ambulance collection reducing the property tax burden on residents. Ambulance collections do not
result in any out of pocket costs to our residents. These fees are collected through
their insurer or waived in cases where a balance may exist, or if someone does not
have insurance coverage.
WHY IS IT NEEDED?
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ISSUE 56 is one of two operating levies for the Fire/EMS Department and provides
approximately 25% of the Fire/EMS Department operating funds.
The Township cannot sustain the Fire/EMS Department’s existing services
without this levy, and therefore, would need to drastically reduce services.
2012 is the last collection year for our existing levy.
Revaluations in property taxes have reduced home values by approximately 7.3%
which resulted in a loss of revenues for the Township. We will receive approximately
$47,617 less than last year even with the passage of this renewal levy.
Currently, ambulance collections are down 24% from 2010, and 13% from 2011.
OFFICIAL BALLOT LANGUAGE:
PROPOSED TAX LEVY (RENEWAL)
COVENTRY TOWNSHIP
A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage.
A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Coventry Township for the purpose of providing and
maintaining fire apparatus, appliances, buildings, or sites therefore, or sources of water
supply and materials therefore, or the establishment and maintenance of lines of fire alarm
telegraph, or the payment of permanent, part-time, or volunteer firefighters, including the
payment of the firefighters employer’s contribution required under section 742.34 of the
Ohio Revised Code or to purchase ambulance equipment or to provide ambulance, paramedic, or other emergency medical services operated by the fire department at a rate not
exceeding 2.25 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to 22.5 cents for each
one hundred dollars of valuation, for 5 years, commencing in 2012, first due in calendar
year 2013.
FOR THE LEVY
AGAINST THE LEVY
For More Information on this Levy please visit our website at: www.coventrytownship.com or call the Coventry Township Administration Office at 330-644-0785 or Coventry Fire Department at 330-644-3228