By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — Details of a proposed levy hike for Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory were highlighted Tuesday night at a City Council meeting.
If council agrees to seek the maximum amount, the proposal would generate as much as $1.1 million for the territory.
Fire Chief Brian Mayo outlined how the money would be used.
* * *
See the chart at the bottom of the story to see how
different types of properties would be impacted by the proposal.
* * *
Much of the new revenue would cover the cost of new personnel and some positions previously covered with grant money.
The territory has not increased its levy since being established in 2009, but has received additional property taxes as a result of assessed value like many other departments.
A report from BakerTilly provided a tax impact chart showing how much, if any, increase would be seen by property owners, farm owners and commercial properties.
For homeowners, the increase would range from $1 a month for smaller houses to as much as $8 a month for homes with an assessed value of $300,000.
Many homes would see no increase because their properties have reached the state-mandated tax cap.
For farm owners, three of the four taxing units broken down within the territory by township would see no hike because of tax caps. The exception would be farm property in Wayne Township outside of the city of Warsaw.
Similarly, residential property in three of the four taxing units would see no levy hikes under the plan.
Commercial property would be hit the hardest with monthly hikes ranging from $5 to $50.
Mayo outlined a list of spending plans if the full levy was established, But he also seemed to set the stage for compromise by highlighting a list of priorities that totaled $565,000.
Overall, Mayo said he’d like to hire six new firefighters, but his short list included two firefighters and two other personnel which are existing staff positions with the CARES program that is currently paid with grant money.
Mayo compared his top priorities as “root canals” to other lesser issues as “cavities.”
Mayor Jeff Grose said he supports increasing revenues for the territory, but said council could approve a smaller levy if it chooses.
Council must make a decision on the matter within a matter of weeks i it plans to establish the change or next year.
Several dozen WWFT personnel attended the council meeting.
Only a handful of other people were in attendance and there was no outspoken opposition to the plan.
