Fire levy goes down in flames

Editor's note: Joseph Jones is a Register correspondent representing vermiliondaily.com. VERMILION TWP. — Voters soundly rejected a proposed fire levy that called for raising taxes. On Tuesday, Vermilion Township residents easily defeated a proposed 3.35-mill replacement and increase levy to support Vermilion Township's fire and emergency medical services. About 57% of people voted "no." The additional 3.35 mills would have combined with the township's existing 1.65-mill levy for a total of 5 mills with collection slated to begin in 2026. If it received approval, the additional 3.35 mills would bring the township's total to 5 mills with a total cost of about $175 annually the owner of a $100,000 home can expect to pay each year. For a typical Vermilion Township home valued at around $300,000, that equals roughly $525 per year or about $45 per month. The levy was intended to fund equipment replacement, staffing and ongoing operations for the Vermilion Township Fire Department, which has operated its own ambulance service since 2018. Frank Triana, the township's chief, previously said the department's current 1.65-mill levy generates about $224,000 annually, an amount he described as no longer sustainable for both fire and EMS services. Triana said that, without the increase, the department may face challenges maintaining staffing levels and replacing aging vehicles. Vermilion Township fire and EMS replacement and increase levy • Against: 898 • For: 665 Note: According to unofficial results Source: Erie County Board of Elections