To the editor:
Lake Township has two important Levy requests on the November 5, 2024 ballot for Township resident’s consideration. The first 1 mill Levy is a five-year renewal used to fund the Lake Township Fire Department. It is not a new tax as the levy has been in existence since the 1990s The second levy request is for an EMS five year levy for 1.5 mills to solely fund the hiring of four full-time paramedics.
A shortage of paramedics is a nationwide problem. Ohio has lost several thousand paramedics over the last few years. Mostly due to the pandemic, long hours, and low pay. Paramedics play a key role in the health and safety of our community. They are crucial in all emergency situations: Your child stops breathing only a paramedic can perform advance treatment on scene. Your loved one has a heart attack only a paramedic can administer life-saving drugs until transported to the hospital.
The 1.5 mill levy will provide a paramedic per shift to respond to emergencies in a timely fashion. Otherwise, some emergencies may encounter a delayed response from a neighboring jurisdiction.
I would like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful and dedicated firefighters and EMS personnel serving the Lake, Millbury, and Walbridge communities. They demonstrate daily that a professionally staffed and funded Fire/EMS department is beneficial to a vibrant, healthy, and growing community.
Thank you for your careful consideration on these vital safety service issues.
Please vote yes on the 1 mill Fire Department five-year renewal levy and the 1.5 mill five-year EMS levy.
Richard Welling
Millbury
