Wadsworth City Council - Fire Levy Work Session 6/3/26

The Wadsworth City Council held a Fire Levy Work Session on June 3, 2026, focused on discussing the current and future funding needs of the city's fire and EMS departments through levy renewals and adjustments. Director of Public Safety Chafin presented detailed information on the existing fire levy, which funds capital equipment but not personnel, and the EMS levy, which supports operational costs including staffing. The council reviewed the financial status, including cash reserves, debt obligations, and the impact of property value changes on millage rates. Proposals included renewing the fire levy with a reduction of 0.75 to 1.0 mil and renewing the EMS levy with a 1.0 mil increase to address rising call volumes and staffing needs. The discussion emphasized balancing taxpayer impact with maintaining adequate emergency services, with plans to seek official resource certificates and further council deliberations before placing levy measures on the ballot by the August 6 deadline.