NORTH BALTIMORE – Village council has agreed to postpone placing an EMS levy on the May ballot. Instead,
voters will see a street renewal levy at the polls.
The street levy renewal is a five-year, 2-mill levy that generates, on average, $83,000 annually.
Council is considering a property tax, income tax, or a combination of both to help with the
restructuring of its EMS department. In recent months, issues with billing,
adequate staffing levels and response times have come to light. Council is considering moving to a
part-time, paid EMS department or to outsource EMS services to a private company. There were nine missed
runs in January, which required responses from outside EMS departments.
"Given the results from the (public) meeting, discussions from last week, and the fact that Henry
Township is interested in pursuing this alongside us … I think we should wait," said council member
Janet Goldner, who chairs the public safety committee.
Plans call for the EMS levy to be on the November ballot.
The street renewal levy will be used for construction, reconstruction, resurfacing and road improvements.
Council members assured residents that, while fewer road projects have been completed due to the sewer
separation project, several major projects are on the agenda for this year.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting, council:
• Heard that the police department is in the process of hiring three to four part-time officers.
• Heard that the new fire truck has arrived and is in-service.
• Commended police Officer Michael Meyers for his recent efforts in helping a local resident in an
emergency. Meyers was issued a letter of commendation after he responded to a call and saw a fire inside
a residence. Meyers then entered the home, saw an elderly person who was unable to evacuate the
residence, put out the fire with an extinguisher from his cruiser and continued assisting at the scene
until the fire department arrived.
• Asked residents to keep fire hydrants clear of snow in the event of an emergency.
• Met in executive session to discuss personnel. No action was expected.
