Fire Department Update

Progress for the Fire Department's capital plan is on schedule, with construction underway at Station #4 on Sylvania Avenue. As with any construction project, there have been changes to the original plans as we find some assumptions were not quite as expected when plans were developed. Some changes are in our favor, some are not but so far the project is looking good.

Station #3 on Whiteford near Monroe is in the permit application process. Demolition of the house located on the property is scheduled and we will begin bidding on this station this soon. Finally, we are still pursuing options for relocating Stations #1 and #2, but remain within our timelines for their construction.

The process of hiring additional firefighters as planned by the 1.25 Mill Levy is also continuing, with a test date scheduled for April 9.

The only negative news to give regarding the Fire Department came from Lucas County Auditor Anita Lopez when she updated the Trustees on the triennial revaluation which is taking place this year, to be effective for property taxes payable in 2010. Basically, with the drop in real estate values, the 1.25 mill fire levy passed in 2008 will probably suffer a decrease in revenue. How much of a decrease we won't know until much later this year, but it could be in the range of 5-10% for this levy (prior voter-approved levies would not see a reduction in revenue).

Certainly, when I was meeting with Sylvania Mayor Craig Stough, Sylvania City Councilman Mark Luetke and others from our community in late 2007 to formulate a levy proposal that everyone could support, no one expected or even suggested such a negative turn in our property values. This was an unforeseen event and a situation that we will address when we have more details on the exact impact.

In the meantime, the Township and the fire department will work to recognize whatever cost savings we can, such as the interest savings I mentioned earlier, and minimize cost overruns and change orders on the construction of the new fire stations as much as possible. I believe this situation is manageable and will not be detrimental to the Department. Being aware of the situation and preparing to address will help us weather this storm.

If you are curious as to the possible impact of decreasing property values on your home or business, I would encourage you to contact the Lucas County Auditor's Office and discuss with them impact of declining property values. A 10% reduction in property values does not equate in to a 10% drop in your property tax bill.