Fire Levy for Springfield Township

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Registered voters will see a levy on this years ballot, so a local fire department can purchase updated equipment.

The South Zanesville Fire Department added a 5 year 1.8 mill levy for Springfield Township in addition to the previous 0.7 mill fire levy. According to Fire Chief Russell Taylor they’re looking to buy a fully equipped ambulance, so they may transport the injured instead of having Community Ambulance Services transport.

“Our reasoning behind this levy is to keep that money in Springfield Township that is collected for these transports in order to better help our community buy more equipment, keep us updated, and more training,” Taylor said. “Without that levy and without that additional funding, it’s almost impossible for a total volunteer fire department to do that.”

The South Zanesville Fire Department has never had an ambulance, but started working as first responders in 2015. That increased their calls for service from 219 calls in 2015 to 647 calls in 2016. According to the South Zanesville Fire Department’s levy pamphlet 2017 current rate, the fire department will exceed 800 calls by the end of December.

Taylor says this levy will essentially help the community get better service from the department.

“A brand new truck we’re probably looking at a $250,000,” Taylor said. “You have to consider a fire truck is $600,000. It’s a big difference, but our one truck is going to be 10 years old this year and usually our trucks are on a 10 year rotation.”

The new equipment will also help the department keep up with state standards.

The South Zanesville Fire Department will explain more about the new levy tomorrow at Springfield Bell Park located by the Potts Lane and Coopermill Road intersection. The presentation will run from 2:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M.