Montville fire levy to be rescinded
Township trustees honor word to voters to eliminate levy
Graphic by MICHELLE FARNHAM
MONTVILLE – True to their word, township trustees issued a formal request to the county auditor to rescind a 1.3-mill fire levy effective Jan. 1.
Montville township trustees took that action the day after the Nov. 8 election in which voters approved a 1.3-mill safety services levy. Trustees had promised prior to the election that they would rescind the fire levy if voters approved the safety services levy. The new levy was approved by 61 percent of voters along with an ambulance levy that was renewed at the reduced rate of 0.75 mills and represents a small decrease in taxes.
According to Police Chief Terry Grice, the new levy will allow the township more flexibility in how the revenue is used. The safety services levy will generate about $478,000 a year, much of which will continue to fund fire protection for the township but some of which will help fund the township police department.
“I’m grateful that voters approved the two levies,” said Township Trustee Ron Bischof. “I believe they passed not because of anything done by the trustees but due to the confidence our residents have in our police officers who are great professionals and have earned their trust.”
Snow removal
Township trustees also authorized renewal of a free service to clear the snow from driveways of low income older adults residing in the township.
Last year, 11 residents took advantage of the free service offered by the township, according to Zoning Inspector Paul Jeffers, who manages the program.
Applicants for free snow removal must meet the following requirements to qualify:
1. They must be the owner of the single-family dwelling where snow is to be removed and be 65 or older or disabled.
2. They must be within the following income levels:
• A one-person household with a 2015 gross adjusted income of $22,760 or less.
• A two-person household with a combined 2015 gross adjusted income of $32,040 or less.
• A three-person household with a combined 2015 gross adjusted income of $40,320 or less.
• A four-person household with a combined 2015 gross adjusted income of $48,600 or less.
3. They must be occupying the home at the time of service. The program is not to be used to provide the illusion of occupancy while on vacation.
Applications may be made through the Montville Township Zoning Office which residents can call at 330-725-8313. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and phone service can be provided Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Applications are also available online at www.MontvilleTwp.org.
There is a $35 registration fee for the service.
All applicants must also provide (for viewing purposes only) a copy of their 2015 Federal Tax Form 1040 as verification of their gross adjusted income and a valid identification for proof of age.
The cut-off date for application submissions is Dec. 23 at 2 p.m.
Montville township trustees took that action the day after the Nov. 8 election in which voters approved a 1.3-mill safety services levy. Trustees had promised prior to the election that they would rescind the fire levy if voters approved the safety services levy. The new levy was approved by 61 percent of voters along with an ambulance levy that was renewed at the reduced rate of 0.75 mills and represents a small decrease in taxes.
According to Police Chief Terry Grice, the new levy will allow the township more flexibility in how the revenue is used. The safety services levy will generate about $478,000 a year, much of which will continue to fund fire protection for the township but some of which will help fund the township police department.
“I’m grateful that voters approved the two levies,” said Township Trustee Ron Bischof. “I believe they passed not because of anything done by the trustees but due to the confidence our residents have in our police officers who are great professionals and have earned their trust.”
Snow removal
Township trustees also authorized renewal of a free service to clear the snow from driveways of low income older adults residing in the township.
Last year, 11 residents took advantage of the free service offered by the township, according to Zoning Inspector Paul Jeffers, who manages the program.
Applicants for free snow removal must meet the following requirements to qualify:
1. They must be the owner of the single-family dwelling where snow is to be removed and be 65 or older or disabled.
2. They must be within the following income levels:
• A one-person household with a 2015 gross adjusted income of $22,760 or less.
• A two-person household with a combined 2015 gross adjusted income of $32,040 or less.
• A three-person household with a combined 2015 gross adjusted income of $40,320 or less.
• A four-person household with a combined 2015 gross adjusted income of $48,600 or less.
3. They must be occupying the home at the time of service. The program is not to be used to provide the illusion of occupancy while on vacation.
Applications may be made through the Montville Township Zoning Office which residents can call at 330-725-8313. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and phone service can be provided Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Applications are also available online at www.MontvilleTwp.org.
There is a $35 registration fee for the service.
All applicants must also provide (for viewing purposes only) a copy of their 2015 Federal Tax Form 1040 as verification of their gross adjusted income and a valid identification for proof of age.
The cut-off date for application submissions is Dec. 23 at 2 p.m.