Wadsworth City Council Fire Levy Work Session - July 14, 2026

The Wadsworth City Council held a work session on July 14, 2026, focused on discussing the fire and EMS levy proposals. The council reviewed several levy scenarios, including a 1.5 mill fire levy renewal with a 1 mill reduction and a 3 mill EMS levy renewal with a proposed 1 mill increase. The fire levy funds capital equipment expenditures only, while the EMS levy covers personnel, operations, and capital costs. The discussion included projections for staffing increases, capital equipment replacements, and facility maintenance. The council considered the impact of these levies on taxpayers, noting a net increase of approximately $12 per $100,000 of property valuation starting in 2028 due to the EMS levy increase offset partially by the fire levy reduction. The council also discussed ongoing contract negotiations with the township for fire and EMS services. The recommendation was to proceed with the 1 mill fire levy reduction and the 1 mill EMS levy increase to balance operational needs and tax relief. The session concluded with a motion to adjourn.