Beavercreek Twp. set to build new fire stations after levy passes

Beavercreek Twp. is set to build the first of two fire stations after voters overwhelmingly approved a new tax.

The fire levy, which voters approved on Nov. 5 by 59% to 41%, will also pay for personnel costs, operations and the replacement of four engines, one ladder truck and five life squads.

Funds for the continuous levy will be collected starting in July 2020, and will generate $6.1 million a year. It will cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $122 annually, said Greene County Auditor David Graham.

Related: Voters support several tax issues in Greene County

Design work is already complete for the new Station 65, which will be built on township-owned property at Fairground and Trebein roads.

Beavercreek Twp. Fire Chief David VandenBos said he expects to start the bidding process soon to find a contractor for the job.

“The goal is to start construction as soon as possible,” VandenBos said. “Ideally, it will be finished in 12 to 18 months. It depends on how long it takes to get the contractor started and the weather. We may have to wait for the spring thaw.”

The estimated costs to build the fire station was approximately $6 million when township trustees approved putting the measure on the ballot in July.

Officials said new revenue was needed to avoid a deficit, which was projected for 2022, and the needs for emergency fire and medical services are expected to expand as the township grows.

Related: New tax mulled to support fire services in Beavercreek Twp.

VandenBos said the department’s vehicles that need replaced will probably happen in six to seven years.

“I’m amazed at the amount of support the community continues to give us,” he said. “Our goal is to continue to have good stewardship of tax dollars, to do what we said we would do with that money. It’s not a responsibility we take lightly.”

The new fire station will be used to better serve the northeastern portion of the township, where new housing developments are bringing in new residents and already an uptick in calls for service.

Battalion Chief Nathan Hiester said they are looking forward to when the new fire station is completed, and the second crew working out of Station 61 on Dayton-Xenia Road will have their own facility.

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