October 21, 2024
To the Residents of West Licking Joint Fire District
I am writing to inform you of an important ballot issue that will directly impact our Fire District and the residents we so proudly serve. On November 5, 2024, voters will be asked to approve a new fire and emergency services levy to help the District keep pace with our growing communities. Over the coming days, we will be sharing a series of letters to provide detailed information on the District’s growth, staffing, and financial standing, ensuring you have the facts before you cast your vote.
As a fellow resident of over twenty years, I understand the weight of this decision. It is not one we take lightly, and I, too, will be affected by the outcome.
In this first letter, I’d like to address the proposed levy and our current levies. According to the Licking County Auditor, the West Licking Joint Fire District currently operates with 11.0 mils of voter-approved levies. This millage cannot collect funds above 11.0 mills. However, as our community continues to grow, new homes help distribute the tax burden, effectively lowering the amount each resident contributes. The actual milage that we as residents pay goes down with time and growth. This new reduction is known as ‘Effective rate’, which means that as the milage decreases, so do your tax payments.
In 2022, the Fire District’s effective rate dropped to 8.8 mils, and this year, it has decreased further to 6.7 mils. These rates are collected in the fiscal year following their approval. However, while the funds collected remain consistent, our population and calls for emergency services continue to rise significantly, which is why we are requesting additional support through this proposed levy.
If passed, the new levy will generate $9.582 million annually, at a rate not exceeding 4 mils for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $140 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s appraised value. It’s important to note this is based on your property’s taxable value, NOT the market value or what you might be able to sell it for. If you would like to calculate the specific impact on your property, you can do so by visiting the Licking County Auditor’s website and following these steps:
- Go to the https://ontrac.lickingcounty.gov/OnTrac.aspx
- Use the “FIND MY PARCEL” tool on the right-hand side to locate your property.
- Click the “TAXES” icon in the top-right corner, select “CALCULATOR” from the dropdown menu, and then click “LEVY”.
- Scroll to the bottom of the list to find the West Licking Joint Fire District levy. Once selected, your individual rate will appear.
We encourage you to take the time to learn more about the levy and the Fire District’s operations. We understand how valuable every moment is, both in our daily lives and in the critical services we provide. Each second counts in an emergency, and this levy will allow us to continue responding quickly and effectively. In the next few letters, we will outline how the funds are used, what the new levy will support, and other important details to help you make an informed decision. Thank you for your time and attention in this important matter.
Yours in service,
Jack A Treinish Jr.
Fire Chief
Proud Resident for over Twenty Years