A proposed fire levy increase now appears unlikely to reach the May 2026 ballot after Vermilion Township trustees voted down the initial certification resolution during their January 7 meeting.
The measure sought to replace the township’s existing 1.65-mill fire levy with a 3.65-mill levy, adding 2 mills to support fire services and full-time EMS staffing. The resolution was the first of two steps required to place a levy before voters: trustees must first request a millage certification from the Erie County Auditor, then hold a second vote to formally submit the levy to the Board of Elections.
Because the first resolution failed, the township cannot request certification. Even if trustees reconsidered immediately, the timeline would remain tight. The process requires the auditor to return calculations before trustees can hold the second vote, and the township meets only twice per month. That scheduling rhythm, combined with Board of Elections filing deadlines, makes it unlikely the levy language could be completed in time for the May ballot.
Trustee Keith Sexton said he wanted additional time to review the department’s long-term needs with the fire chief before committing to a millage amount. Trustee Don Rowe also voted no, causing the resolution to fail.
The vote does not prevent township officials from revisiting a levy later in the year, but based on the timing of the January 7 meeting, the steps needed for a May submission appear unlikely to be completed in time for a potential levy to be put on the ballot.
About the Author
