Harrisville Township's Issues 7 and 8 pass

HARRISVILLE TWP. — Voters supported the two tax levies for the Harrisville Fire District, according to unofficial results from the board of elections. Issue 7 passed with 67.62 percent of voters in favor of it (518 votes) and 32.38 percent against it (248 votes). Issue 8 passed with 57.39 percent of voters in favor of it (439 votes) and 42.61 percent against it (326 votes). Issue 7 will help support the Lodi Fire Department provide fire equipment to its staff, as well as hire new staff. The 1.5-mill levy costs property owners $52.50 a year per $100,000 of property value. Issue 8 intends to help EMS funds for replacing and improving equipment and having more staff available for the emergency vehicles. The 2-mill levy costs property owners $70 a year per $100,000 of property value. The two levies passing effectively replace the levy originally passed in 1982 and renewed in 1992 and will allow for improvements to the Lodi Fire Department's services and staff. "I thought it would be a little closer, but I'm happy with the result," Lodi Fire Chief Chris Ridenour said. "It's huge for the voters to pass levies. It makes an impact." Ridenour had some doubts about whether the levies would pass because of rising property values and taxes, but is thankful that the pair of issues were successful. "It's going to help balance the budget. It'll help with repairs," he said. Ridenour also said that there will be more money for the department to use on staffing, repairs, and new replacement equipment. "We will be improving our service to them (residents)," he said. The fire department will be continuing to improve the services it provides to the residents of Harrisville Township and Lodi going forward, and he is thankful for the voters who helped the two levies pass, Ridenour said. Contact reporter Mason Savoia at (330) 957-3043 or at msavoia@medina-gazette.com.