York Township's bond issue for fire station passes

YORK TWP. — The bond issue to construct an addition to the Erhart/York Township fire station passed by a slim margin on Tuesday, according to unofficial election results. The 1-mill bond issue would last for 29 years and raise $5,050,000. Homeowners will pay $35 per $100,000 in property value for the bond issue each year. With all 124 precincts reporting, the bond issue passed with 1,154 votes, or around 51 percent, for the bond issue, compared to 1,125 votes, or about 49 percent, against it. Fire Chief Jason Creamer said the fire department has changed the way it operates since part of the building at 6609 Norwalk Road was constructed in 1977. The addition aims to address the current needs of the township and the fire department. The project will put two additional apparatus bays and living quarters on the current fire station since space is running low, Creamer said. There are no sleeping quarters currently, which would make adding overnight coverage challenging. "We are grateful to the residents of York Township for supporting the fire station addition and trusting our department," he said. "This investment will help address our space limitations, provide overnight accommodations and create a safer working environment for the firefighters who serve this community." A timeline has not been created for the fire station addition yet, Creamer said. "We recognize the financial commitment voters have made, and we take our responsibility to use those dollars wisely seriously," he said. "As the project moves forward, we will keep residents informed and work to deliver a facility that serves our community for years to come. On behalf of the Erhart/York Fire Department, thank you." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at 330-721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.