MILLBURY – A look at an expiring fire levy has led to the discussion of two other levies that fund
emergency services in Lake Township.
At Wednesday’s meeting, Trustee Richard Welling, who had been asked to look into the levies, said the
current five-year fire levy generates $223,860 per year. It expires Dec. 31.
The trustees said they are strongly leaning toward putting a renewal of the levy on the November ballot.

A replacement, Welling said, would cause residents to lose the 10-percent rollback enacted by the state
legislature.
Last month, Fire Chief Bruce Moritz said the levy renewal would be used to fund a new engine for the
department.
Welling also presented information on two other levies on Wednesday.
A 1990 EMS levy is 0.08 mills and generates $122,854 per year. Renewing this at 1 mill for a continuing
period would generate $220,000 annually. A homeowner with a home valued at $100,000 currently pays $13
per year; a replacement would cost the homeowner $38 per year.
The 1990 fire/EMS levy is continuous and for 2 mills. It has been factored down to 1.08 mills. A
homeowner with a home valued at $100,000 currently pays $34 a year; a replacement levy would cost the
homeowner $70 per year.
"The EMS levy is intriguing," said trustee Chairwoman Melanie Bowen.
Police Chief Mark Hummer said the trustees’ EMS contract with Lifestar is up for renewal next spring.
Bowen added that she’s not in favor of raising taxes, but the extra money could be looked at to help pay
for a new contract.
"I said it was intriguing, not that I want to do it."
Also at the meeting, the trustees:
• Voted to buy a new VHF radio module for the emergency warning siren at fire station No. 2. The siren
failed to sound during the monthly test. Federal Field Services, Wauseon, will do the work for $843.
The trustees asked Hummer, who is also the township administrator, and Moritz to investigate partnering
with Troy Township to purchase another tornado siren for the southern part of the area. Hummer said they
cost approximately $25,000. The township, which was hit by a tornado in June 2010, has sirens in
Walbridge and Moline and two in Millbury.
• Accepted new firefighters Daniel Susor and Manuel Sauceda Alvarez.
• Approved spending $3,836 for emergency lights, radio and lettering to make the 2015 Ford F-250
complaint with the state’s fire regulations.
• Renewed the accident and health insurance policy used by the fire department with Love Insurance
Agency, Willoughby, for $3,829.
• Hired Gary Cross Eavetrough Co., Lambertville, Michigan, for $1,850 to repair and replace a damaged
gutter at fire station No. 2. It suffered ice damage during a winter storm.
• Voted to join the Owens Community College Fire Service Development and Training Consortium for $1,000.
It offers courses such as live fire training, search and rescue, tanker, car and kitchen fire training
and firefighter safety and survival.
• Heard recently-retired cemetery sexton Gary Schulte is interested in voluntarily mowing one day a week.
Bowen will call the insurance company to see if there are any liability issues.