VOTE411 Voter Guide

Renewal, fire, 7.5 mills, 5 years, commencing in 2025.Jackson Township Trustees are asking residents to renew an existing 7.5 mil property tax to support the Fire Department; it would be effective for 5 years.The levy is expected to fund the department staffed as is for the next 5 years. The purpose of the levy includes maintaining fire and emergency vehicles, buildings, communications equipment and salaries.The current levy was approved in May, 2020 and generates $13.13 million a year; the replacement levy would provide the same. If approved, the annual tax for a homeowner would not increase, but continue to be $174 for every $100,000 of the auditor’s former evaluation. (Note that this renewal tax is not based on the new property evaluations.) The levied tax would be collected in 2026 and expire in 2030.The Jackson Fire Department serves its 36 sq. miles and multiple businesses with 5 stations with 77 full time firefighters/paramedics, fire prevention specialists and command positions. In the past 10 years calls have increased by 20%. From 2021 - 2024 the Jackson Fire Department responded to more than 7,000 calls per year, including emergency medical, fire-related events and vehicle accidents. Programs also include many community services, including child car seat installations, CPR training, prevention programs and inspections, and Safety Village.The Jackson Fire Department has earned an ISO Class 2 designation.