Huron fire seeks levy support

HURON — In May, two communities can each collectively weigh in on an important issue impacting local fire services. Those residing in the city of Huron and Huron Township can both expect to see a 1.5-mill additional and continuing levy on the ballot. In other words, these levies aim to increase taxes specifically for generating new funding so Huron firefighters can continue protecting and serving the public. "The two levies are completely separate, although the rate is the same," Erie County elections board director Alex Jones said. "They both can pass or fail independent of the other." Making sense of the dollars and cents If approved by a majority of voters in either political subdivision: • It would add to Huron fire's other primary local funding source: a levy vote first enacted in 1999. • It would go into effect in 2027: — If Huron's levy gets approved, it would bring in $510,000 a year. — If Huron Township's levy gets approved, it would bring in $436,000 a year. — The department today works off of $4.6 million a year, which includes day-to-day operations, such as staffing, and large-scale purchases, including vehicles. This accounts for a vast majority of what Huron fire spends its money on, and there's a 50-50 split for these items: Money from the budgets of Huron Township and Huron city equally contributes dollars for these necessities. • The owner of a $100,000 home can expect to pay $52.50 a year regardless of whether within the city or township. — People can visit the Erie County auditor's website to specifically know how much they could pay if approved. — In their campaign literature, firefighters are describing how the owner of a $200,000 home, in assessed value, will pay an additional $105 a year, which breaks down to $8.75 a month. Why the need for more? Essentially, in a world of rising expenses, the department continues to operate with less money than ever before. The fire department's last new-money levy received approval in 1999. During this time, "The fire department has done such a good job of maintaining its budget with ever-increasing expenses and increasing service that, up until now, it never rose to the point of asking the taxpayers for more money. Unfortunately, that point has finally come," Huron city manager Stu Hamilton said. Hamilton tasked Huron fire Chief Kevin McGraw, who just got hired in December, to spearhead this process, which includes engaging community members so voters know exactly what's at stake. "For the last 27 years, the department has gone above and beyond to be fiscally responsible to ensure that stations are manned and apparatus with trained professionals are responding to any call for service," McGraw said. He continued: "Multiple projects have been put on hold or partially completed due to operating within the department's budget. The fire and EMS services have not been immune to the rising costs of inflation. Apparatuses are more expensive. Equipment is more expensive. Training is more expensive. There are some much-needed improvements to the city fire station that we've been unable to address. Nothing has gone down in cost, and our requests for service have gone up." McGraw notes, even before his arrival, Huron firefighters constantly seek out and do secure grants to help offset local contributions. "But we cannot rely on them as a steady source of funding," he said. "We have done our best to provide an essential service at a high level while continuing to be fiscally responsible with the tax dollars provided to us for the last 27 years." Getting the message out McGraw and other firefighters developed a blueprint to best communicate this message to residents over the coming weeks. This includes: • Creating and handing out informational pamphlets • Answering questions whenever seeing people around town and not in emergencies • Planning open houses so different neighborhoods can come visit the fire station and check out the trucks and equipment • Working with local media to spread this message If the levy doesn't receive approval, then Hamilton noted higher-cost purchases — such as for fire trucks, ambulances and equipment — would be affected. And, if funding becomes a persistent issue years from now, it would likely impact employees in some fashion. Huron fire today operates with 15 full-time and 29 part-time firefighters. "We are extremely grateful for the support the Huron community shows us and ask that they continue it by supporting the proposed fire levy in May," McGraw said. "I understand the gravity of asking for additional tax dollars at this time, however, we feel it is a necessary investment in our communities' safety moving forward." Union unites in cause Charlie Ruggles, who serves as Huron fire's union president, provided the following statement related to this upcoming issue: Since the unionization of full-time employees in February of 2002, the members of the Huron Professional Firefighters Local 4168 have been protecting the lives and property of the citizens of Huron and Huron Township. The union local represents the 15 full-time firefighter/paramedics that provide fire, rescue and emergency medical services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round. We have always strived to provide the highest level of care and customer service to our community. Soon, we will be asking the community to help us help them. The job of a Huron firefighter and firefighters throughout the U.S. has changed vastly over the years. In 1999, the staffing at the Huron Fire Department consisted of four full-time firefighters assigned to each of three shifts and one station. That same year, those 12 men responded to 967 calls for service. Also in 1999, that was the last year that a fire levy for new money was passed. Fast forward to 2026: • The department is now staffed with five full-time and typically one part-time employee per day at two fire stations. • Members not only provide fire and EMS services but are trained in many different rescue disciplines and complete fire safety inspections, public education and attend many hours of state-required continuing education to maintain their many certifications. • In 2025, members responded to 2,208 calls for service. That totals a 128% increase in call volume since 1999. • Additionally, the department has added an additional fire station to accommodate the needs of the western end of Huron and Huron Township. The funds that would be generated from this levy would be utilized for manpower costs, not raises; replacing aging fire apparatus; the purchase of additional equipment; and maintenance of two fire stations. As with almost all goods and services, the prices of those items have increased dramatically since 1999. This levy is needed in order for the department and its members to provide the same level of care and customer service as it is currently. Without the support of the community, we may be forced to attempt to provide that level with fewer employees, utilizing older vehicles and equipment out of stations that will continue to need maintenance as any facility does. In closing, we appreciate the community's continued support and hope that we can count on you to help us help you, when you go to the polls on May 5th. Please vote "yes" for the Huron fire levy.