4/23/14 - Voters in Putnam Township will be asked to approve a millage renewal, rather than an increase, for the fire department this summer. Fire Chief Greg Amburgey tells WHMI the increase was discussed due to the rising cost of operating the department. The department responds to about 500-600 calls each year, compared to 300-400 per year a decade ago. Amburgey says he also expects to replace vehicles in the coming years, adding to the cost of operation. The current 1.1923-mill tax will provide the department with about $367,000 this year, but costs will exceed $400,000 and the difference will be taken from the departmentâs fund equity. The township and the fire department will reexamine the issue and determine if an increase is necessary in 2016. The renewal will be offered to voters on the August primary ballot. (TD)
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