Voters in Vienna say 'Yes' to fire levy
VIENNA TWP., Ohio - Vienna Township residents narrowly voted in favor of a new levy to replace two existing ones, ensuring the return of consistent ambulance service to the community.
Voters approved the five-year, 3.5-mill levy with 418 voting yes and 405 voting no, a margin of just 13 votes.
The levy will generate an estimated $507,186.96 annually and cover the costs to employ part-time staff for around-the-clock emergency medical service, estimated at $366,000 per year. It will also support maintenance and other operational needs. The new cost to homeowners will be $127 per year on a $100,000 home, replacing two of the township’s current three levies, which together cost $50.32 per year and generated $219,909.48.
Fire Chief Gus Birch told 21 News that the department’s top priority is getting the ambulance service back online, which has been out of commission due to staffing shortages.
“Our number one goal is to reestablish the ambulance service, which has been out of service for some time now,” Birch said. “We will start out slowly when the money starts coming in, with staffing part-time people, with the ultimate goal of being 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
Birch said the department hopes to begin hiring before 2026 if the funding allows but will work closely with the township’s fiscal officer to establish a timeline. Until then, the department will continue relying on mutual aid from surrounding departments.
Birch also expressed appreciation for residents who supported the levy, saying, “For those that voted for us, I can’t thank them enough. I’m so appreciative of it.”
Vienna Township Fire has been operating on three separate levies and partnering with nearby fire departments like Brookfield, Liberty, Howland, and Fowler for mutual aid. With the levy now passed, officials say those departments will see some relief as Vienna begins restoring its EMS independence.
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