Bethel Township Trustees and the Bethel Fire Department hosted a community dinner on October 26, 2016. Approximately 25 township residents attended to enjoy the spaghetti dinner and see a presentation on the proposed Fire Levy that is up for voter approval on the November 8, 2016 ballot.

The township is requesting that the voters approve a replacement levy at the rate of 4.9 mills for Fire and Emergency Services for the residents of Bethel Township.

According to Fire Chief Andy Ehrhart, the levy will enable the Fire Department to replace two of the medic units, replace personal protective equipment (PPE) for the firefighters, replace the staff car, replace the brush truck pump/tank, and replace the “Jaws of Life.”

In addition, the levy would allow the department to purchase a full station generator for emergency power, purchase a new thermal imaging camera, increase part-time staffing, and start to save funds eventually to replace Engine 6.

The estimated cost to residents for each $100,000 of valuation of their homes is $115.35 per year or $9.61 per month. In addition, when compared to eight other townships in Miami County, the proposed levy is 5th highest; yet, the township is 3rd in population, and second in the number of runs that the department makes.

The department strives to have four staff available 24/7 and has consistently quickly response times averaging seven minutes from call to door. Ehrhart expressed his hope that residents recognize the valuable services that the department provides and continue to support the department.