We hope this edition of the magazine finds you well, and you have “weathered the storm” of one of the coldest and snowiest winters we have experienced in a long time.
As I am sure you are aware, the Violet Township Fire Department is on the May 6 ballot for additional property tax millage. We have survived 12 years without additional revenues from tax millage, and we are proud of our continued progress to meet the demands of our growing community.
The VTFD has been serving the community for over 80 years, from humble beginnings as a group of dedicated volunteers to the full-service, all-hazards public safety-service organization of today. Since our last increase of voted millage in 2002, the VTFD has changed to meet the needs of our ever-growing community. Our population has increased 40 percent, the number of homes protected has increased 49 percent and our responses have increased 62 percent.
Like everyone else, we have had an increase in our operating expenses. Our budget is no different than our budgets at home – when costs rise for commodities, so do ours. The increased demand drives our costs.
This 12-year period without additional tax millage is the longest in our modern history. Our planning must account for future growth and address a number of key infrastructure improvements to meet the increasing demands of our community. First and foremost, we must be able to maintain the programs and staffing levels in place today. Secondly, we need to replace, upgrade and plan for expansion of fire stations, beginning with the station on Lockville Road in the heart of Olde Pickerington Village.
This station was constructed 60 years ago and has served the community well. We have modified the building in several areas, but are unable to expand and modify to meet future demands. Apparatus is difficult to construct to continue to fit in the building, and additional personnel cannot be added due to space constraints. Our intent is to construct a modern facility that will meet the needs of the community for many years to come.
The station on Refugee Road, which was constructed 17 years ago, is in need of expansion in several areas, and upgrades are needed to vital building systems. Finally, a location for a southern fire station must be secured for future growth.
Several key pieces of apparatus must be planned and replaced. This will ensure delivery of services in the efficient and timely manner that our community expects and deserves. It is important that we continue to be proactive and responsible with our growth, as we project another 35 percent increase in calls for service by the year 2020.
Fire levy funds are restricted solely for the operations of the fire department. These additional funds cannot be utilized for any other Township budget or department per the Ohio Revised Code.
In closing, we are proud to be woven into the fabric of our community, and make the promise that we will continue to be good stewards of your funds. Our members demonstrate commitment to our community in many ways through their involvement in programs such as the Doug Barr Memorial Foundation, annual Holiday Toy Drive, Big Brothers program, Muscular Dystrophy Association and Pickerington Food Pantry. Our involvement in these programs directly impacts lives through providing college scholarships, basic human needs and the ability to positively impact families during the Christmas season.
We will adhere to our decision-making principles that guide us for the best interests of our customers, our community and our organization.
