NEW ALBANY, Ohio — Plain Township is putting a levy on the ballot to help support its fire department.
With the boom from Intel, the New Albany area has grown and is expected to continue.
"In the last couple years, the price has doubled for fire apparatus. Just the cost of doing business now is astronomical," said Plain Township Fire Chief Patrick Connor.
Connor said his department needs to replace a fire engine, which will cost $1 million.
“We are trying to provide operations and just keep up with growth in the community,” Connor said.
With the growth of the community means a need for more fire protection.
The number of EMS runs increased by 50% between 2013 nad 2023. Total calls for service has increased by 44% in that same time.
“Calls for additional growth and a new fire station up north and protect the rural Plain Township areas and some of the New Albany residents up north. Our response times are very high in those areas and we want to reduce the call response times,” Connor said.
Plain Township is asking for a levy, which would mean an additional $105 per $100,000 of home value. Connor said it would be the lowest levy in Franklin County.
"We will ask for five years again on this levy. This one we went nine years on. We hope to get to five years. If the growth continues, we will re-evaluate at that time," Connor said.
The general election is on Nov. 5.