Westfield Township Fire Department is heading toward a budget crisis that could drastically reduce emergency response services.
WESTFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio - Westfield Township Fire Department is heading toward a budget crisis that could drastically reduce emergency response services. Westfield Township Board of Trustees Chairman Jim Likley said the department is still operating on a levy voters approved in 2012, and with costs rising, that budget no longer covers expenses.
“We’re looking at going into 2027 with a deficit and we can’t operate in a deficit, so reductions will be required,” Likley said. The department already runs on part-time first responders. If Westfield Center goes into 2027 without additional money, Likley said night staffing would go away and day staffing would be cut drastically.
“Our 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. day staffing would be reduced to four, possibly three days a week,” Likley said. “To 15, 20, maybe 25 minutes,” Likley said. The department answered 48 calls last month but can no longer operate under the 2.5 mill continuous levy residents approved in 2012.
“This equipment has virtually doubled in price in the last 10-12 years and that’s just a reality,” Likley said. “From this projected five- to seven-year budget plan we’ve arrived at a millage rate that will meet those needs,” Likley said. That rate will be decided at the June Board of Trustees meeting and, if approved, goes to voters in November.
“We just feel that every resident that is being serviced by Westfield Fire and Rescue should have the opportunity to vote on the level of service that they get,” Likley said. ‘Looking forward to my day in court’: Boutique owner arrested 17 times since Jan. 1
Fire Department Budget Deficit Emergency Response Times Fire Levy Vote Westfield Center Ohio
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