MIDDLETOWN – Ohio Middletown voters will soon have control of the Middletown Division of Fire.
A 1-mill property tax levy, which would generate $16.8million and be used for four fire stations, will be on the May 3, ballot.
This is the cost of designing and furnishing the four facilities that would replace the obsolete and inadequate stations.
In order to educate residents about how important it is to pass the levy that would replace a 1-mill levy, which was previously in place to pay the debt service for Central Connections Senior Center’s Central Connections Senior Center, two open houses were held by the fire department in the last six month.
Paul Lolli, Fire Chief, stated that the goal of the open houses was to give residents information so they could make informed decisions and show them the conditions. He also said that the open houses were a way for residents to see the conditions and understand why it is important we work in a safe and healthy environment.
If Middletown residents refuse to levy the tax next month, officials say the city could increase the income tax by 1/8th of1% for at least 15 year; reduce the general fund budget by more $800,000 per year by reducing public safety employees; build one firestation every five to six years that would roughly double the final cumulative cost; or not replace the fire stations.
Frank Baughman, president and CEO of the Middletown Firefighters Association, wrote in a campaign letter that Middletown firefighters take great pride serving the community.
We are now in a position to request your assistance, he wrote.
He stated that the codes for suppression systems, fire alarm systems, and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act are not being met by the aging fire stations.
He said that the stations do not have accommodations for female firefighters, which makes it difficult to be a diverse and inclusive department.
Celine Schank was hired by the fire department in February as its only female firefighter.
Baughman also stated that extensive research on cancer among firefighters has shown that station design plays an important role in limiting exposure. Today’s fire stations are designed to keep carcinogens from the living space. Baughman claims that Middletown’s stations do not have any of these features.
PROPOSED FOUR FIRE STATIONS
- New fire headquarters replaces the 1.38-acre Roosevelt Boulevard site: A 3.6-acre parcel at Yankee Road and Cherry Street that the city has acquired from the Middletown City Schools. This was the former site of Garfield School. Dimensions: 24,300 square feet Cost: $7,168,500.
- Station No. Station No. 81 replaces 0.28-acre site at Clinton Street: 2.85-acre parcel at Henry Avenue & Charles Street that the city has acquired from the Middletown City Schools. The site was the former site of Jefferson school. Size: 10,200 sq. Cost: $3,009,000
- Station No. 85 location replaces 0.86-acre site at Central Avenue & Breiel Boulevard: A 2-acre parcel located at Sophie Avenue and Stolz Drive that includes the undeveloped southern portion of Dowling Park, which is owned by the city. Size: 10,200 sq. Cost: $3,009,000.
- No. No.82 location replaces 0.88-acre site at Dixie Highway: A 2.7-acre property at Ohio 122 & Atrium Boulevard purchased from Premier Health/Atrium Medical Center. 11,800 square feet Cost: $3,481,000.
