BY DAVID ECK
Enquirer Contributor
MASON -- Backers of fire levies in Mason and Deerfield Township hope voters on Aug. 4 will approve measures to pay for operations at two fire departments.
In a special election, Deerfield voters will be asked to approve a 3.95-mill fire levy, while residents in Mason will decide a 5-mill levy for fire and emergency services there.
If approved, the levies would replace the 3.95 mills that support the Mason-Deerfield Joint Fire District. The district, which covers both areas, will dissolve Sept. 30 when Mason and Deerfield Township each establish separate fire departments.
If the measures fail, money for fire protection will come from Deerfield Township's and Mason's general funds, which could affect other services in the communities.
Two older levies funding the joint district will be canceled when it shuts down, said Warren County Chief Deputy Auditor William Schreiner.
"It's vitally important to the area that both levies pass," said Barbara Reed, who chairs the campaign for the Deerfield issue. "It's something that really needs its own distinct funding because it's a very, very important aspect of life. (Fire protection) is not a magical thing. It has to have funding."
The Deerfield levy will not cost residents extra because the millage is the same as for the joint district. Mason's levy, if approved, would cost about $40 a year more for the owner of a $125,000 house. Deerfield's levy would generate $1.9 million a year and Mason's $2 million. The money would be used to run the fire departments. "The additional funds are needed for start-up costs of our fire department," said Sheryl Short, head of the group trying to pass the Mason levy.
Supporters of the Mason levy say the tax increase would ensure fast response times and favorable insurance ratings.
Supporters of both levies are meeting with residents, going door-to-door, passing out information at community events and planting yard signs promoting the issues. Both camps said there is no organized opposition to either levy.
"I'm just really trying to focus in on people getting out to vote and being supportive," Mrs. Short said. "This is not a political issue. This is a quality of life issue."
The biggest task is educating voters and then getting them out to vote, said Mrs. Reed and Mrs. Short. Because the issues will be decided in a special election, they need a 55 percent affirmative vote to be approved.
"Voter apathy could be very dangerous if people don't go out there and vote for it and actually cast their vote," said Mrs. Reed. "Even though a majority of the people are in favor of the levy, it could still fail if we don't get the 55 percent majority vote." Another concern is a misconception that if the levies are defeated, the joint district will remain intact and functioning.
"I believe our biggest concern is that people are not aware that the fire district, no matter what the vote, will still be disbanded," Mrs. Short said.
"It really, truly is . . . common sense," said Mrs. Short. "I believe it's the right thing to do."
