By Bruce Rolfe
Climax Township Fire Chief Scott Smith remembers many years ago there times a level of uncertainty could surround the local fire department’s budget.
Before the Climax Township Board offered voters the first 10-year millage for general fire department operations that was passed in 2003, the local fire department’s funding source came directly from the Township Board’s general fund and a yearly contribution made by the Climax Village Council for fire department services.
However after a yearly fire department budget is set, unexpected large expenses and higher run totals then anticipated, could put the fire department’s budget over the original budget total. There was one year when the Village held a payment over a disagreement over the Village Council’s contribution figure.
If a necessary purchase was needed and the budget was exhausted, the fire department had to rely on the township board to authorize more funding.
With a dedicated source of funding that comes from a millage proposal, including the 1.5 mill renewal that was approved by Climax Township voters in the August 6 Primary Election 375-131, budget preparation becomes a little less stressful knowing a dedicated source of funding is available.
In 2003 Climax Township voters approved a 1/2-mill, 10-year fire millage proposal 260-195 with funds dedicated for the Climax Township Fire Department’s operating budget and improvements and in 2014 Climax Township voters approved a 1.5-mill, 10-year fire millage proposal, 177-151.
“Our budget before that (fire millage) always depended on the general fund or the township board. And for whatever reason they didn’t think we needed it, we didn’t get it. It’s one of those things where we have always been, and have always done really well with our budget, that I know of. My budget has always been a millage so I haven’t had to really worry about it since I took over. The money has always been there,” said Smith.
The millage provides a dedicated source of revenue for general operations, including maintenance of equipment, and training personnel to maintain operational readiness, enhance firefighting capabilities, and better serve the community’s safety needs.
The local fire department feels the millage renewal can help ensure that the department can attract and retain qualified firefighters to serve the community, assist with equipment upgrades and maintenance, and allow the local fire department to engage with the community through outreach and education programs that promote fire safety and prevention.
“It helps out a ton, just knowing the money is there,” said Smith.
The Climax Township fire chief adds the local fire department has always attempted to try to save money as much as possible. Any left over money in the budget rolls into the next fiscal year budget, offering some cushion for unexpected expense.
The approved 1.5 mill renewal August 6 is for a period of 10 years (2024-2033 inclusive) and it is estimated to raise $135,655.39 in the first year of the levy.
Smith said the local fire department appreciates the support from township voters in this year’s election and the two previous elections when voters approved fire department millage proposals.
“I think that’s a big part. They (voters) realize the fire department does have a lot of needs when it comes to just general operating,” said the local fire chief.
Climax Township Fire Chief Scott Smith remembers many years ago there times a level of uncertainty could surround the local fire department’s budget.
Before the Climax Township Board offered voters the first 10-year millage for general fire department operations that was passed in 2003, the local fire department’s funding source came directly from the Township Board’s general fund and a yearly contribution made by the Climax Village Council for fire department services.
However after a yearly fire department budget is set, unexpected large expenses and higher run totals then anticipated, could put the fire department’s budget over the original budget total. There was one year when the Village held a payment over a disagreement over the Village Council’s contribution figure.
If a necessary purchase was needed and the budget was exhausted, the fire department had to rely on the township board to authorize more funding.
With a dedicated source of funding that comes from a millage proposal, including the 1.5 mill renewal that was approved by Climax Township voters in the August 6 Primary Election 375-131, budget preparation becomes a little less stressful knowing a dedicated source of funding is available.
In 2003 Climax Township voters approved a 1/2-mill, 10-year fire millage proposal 260-195 with funds dedicated for the Climax Township Fire Department’s operating budget and improvements and in 2014 Climax Township voters approved a 1.5-mill, 10-year fire millage proposal, 177-151.
“Our budget before that (fire millage) always depended on the general fund or the township board. And for whatever reason they didn’t think we needed it, we didn’t get it. It’s one of those things where we have always been, and have always done really well with our budget, that I know of. My budget has always been a millage so I haven’t had to really worry about it since I took over. The money has always been there,” said Smith.
The millage provides a dedicated source of revenue for general operations, including maintenance of equipment, and training personnel to maintain operational readiness, enhance firefighting capabilities, and better serve the community’s safety needs.
The local fire department feels the millage renewal can help ensure that the department can attract and retain qualified firefighters to serve the community, assist with equipment upgrades and maintenance, and allow the local fire department to engage with the community through outreach and education programs that promote fire safety and prevention.
“It helps out a ton, just knowing the money is there,” said Smith.
The Climax Township fire chief adds the local fire department has always attempted to try to save money as much as possible. Any left over money in the budget rolls into the next fiscal year budget, offering some cushion for unexpected expense.
The approved 1.5 mill renewal August 6 is for a period of 10 years (2024-2033 inclusive) and it is estimated to raise $135,655.39 in the first year of the levy.
Smith said the local fire department appreciates the support from township voters in this year’s election and the two previous elections when voters approved fire department millage proposals.
“I think that’s a big part. They (voters) realize the fire department does have a lot of needs when it comes to just general operating,” said the local fire chief.
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