“We’re having trouble manning our life squad because volunteerism is kind of the thing of the past,” said Douglas Wheelright, St. Clair Twp. Fiscal Officer. “We’re looking to have to go to a paid staff.”
If passed, the levy would cost the owner of a $100,000 house $107.19 per year.
The department serves a combined area of approximately 22 square miles and a combined population of just more than 10,000, according to officials.
This marks the first proposed levy since the township’s life squad was founded in 1978, according to officials.
“We’re way overdue, we operated on a half mill for nearly 40 years,” Wheelright said.
The department averages 1,200 runs a year, said Life Squad Chief Michelle Bubemyre.
“We want to have this service so that we can take care of them when they need us. Many times we’ve been asking for other departments for help,” she said. “We would like to be able to provide this service without having to call for additional help from other areas.”
If the levy fails, officials said it could affect emergency response time.
Opponents said even if the levy raises taxes by “pennies a day” they still plan to vote no.
“Until I see a crying shame need I am totally against any new taxes,” said Tom Anderson, a St. Clair Twp. resident.
“We’ve got enough taxes, every time we turn around they ask you for something,” said Jerry Hahn, a St. Clair Twp. resident.
Issue 6
Issue 6 is a 0.75 mill renewal levy to pay for the St. Clair Twp. Fire Department’s operating expenses.
If passed, the levy would cost the owner of a $100,000 home $22.98 per year.
“It pays for maintenance of our trucks, all our equipment and our breathing systems. It was passed in 2008,” said Terry White, St. Clair Twp. Fire Chief.
Longtime resident Peggy Baker said she plans to vote for the levy.
“I know how good they are. I know the firemen. They’re necessary,” Baker said.
If the levy fails, White said the township will try again in the spring.
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