ASHLAND — When casting their ballots this year, City of Ashland residents will determine whether or not to continue a renewal levy for safety force personnel.
The five-year, quarter percent income tax typically generates between $800,000 and $850,000, which is split evenly between the Ashland Police and Fire Departments.
The dollars are used for employing and equipping the police and fire personnel.
“It’s very important that people understand it’s a renewal. This is not a new tax,” said Ashland Fire Division Chief Rick Anderson. “This is the funding source for additional firefighters that brought us to where we need to be (with staffing).”
He went on to say that the levy dollars are not to add staffing because of the additional fire station at the corner of Mifflin Avenue and Route 42. The AFD broke ground for Station #2 in early October. Construction is expected to be complete by summer 2021.
“This keeps us at full staff. It keeps the four guys we employed because of this, covers the cost of those four and equipping them,” Anderson said.
The fire department is fully staffed at 37 employees.
Similarly, the Ashland Police Division (APD) only uses levy funds to maintain its staffing level. Funds go towards hiring and equipping up to 32 officers.
“If you appreciate the service we provide and would like it to continue, then vote for this levy. It’s not going to helicopters or new vehicles. The sole purpose is for personnel and equipping and training them,” said APD Chief David Marcelli.
In his time at the department, he’s seen the number of officers reach as low as 23, which resulted in cuts and overtime issues.
“It was very challenging. The work never stops. It doesn’t go away,” he said about managing the workload with less officers.
Currently, the APD employs 29 officers. One more will be sworn in on Monday, Oct. 26.
