German Township fire levy up for vote

GERMAN TOWNSHIP - Officials say a 2.5-mill continuing replacement levy up for vote is integral to covering the cost of fire and emergency medical services for the township.

Voters will decide whether to replace a 1.5-mill continuing levy, first approved in 2013, with a 2.5-mill continuing levy. According to county auditor Janet Schuler, the old levy collects an estimated $37,287 per year. The replacement levy would collect $76,244, costing the owner of a $100,000 home about $87.50 per year.

The replacement levy was reportedly prompted by the rising cost of equipment for fire and EMS departments. New Bremen Fire Chief Dan Voress said the cost of gear had risen over the years, making the passage of the replacement levy "very important." The extra money could help cover the "ever-changing" costs of equipment, he said.

German Township trustee Vernon Paul said the township had no other way of paying for equipment and services without the levy. He hopes township residents will support the levy issue, so the township could continue paying its share of emergency services.