Officials hopeful that levies will pass

Eastlake government leaders are hoping that levies will pass in the May 2 election.

Eastlake government leaders are hoping that Issue 2, the additional 4.5mill fire levy, will pass in the May 2 election.

“This will stabilize the fire department and the city. The money can only be used for the fire department from Issue 2,” Eastlake Mayor Dennis Morley said.

Eastlake Fire Chief Ted Whittington said he is concerned over the quality of service that the department could offer if staffing is reduced any further.

The levy would help the fire department to maintain its current level of staffing, continue training and purchase needed equipment, he said.

In addition, the city would improve its financial standing if the levy passes because money currently going to the fire department could go into the general fund for other uses, the chief explained.

“Obviously, because of the fact that the city has had some financial issues for a long period of time, the levy (Issue 2) becomes necessary to stabilize it,” Whittington said.

The fire levy’s duration is continuous — that is, an issue with no expiration date. If approved, the levy would cost taxpayers $157.50 a year per $100,000 of property valuation and would generate an estimated $2,016,485 in annual revenue for the fire department. This figure is based on the tax valuation of the property remaining constant for the life of the levy.

Eastlake has not passed a new levy since 1982, Morley said.

Also on the ballot May 2 for Eastlake residents is Issue 1, the city’s five-year, 1.8-mill renewal levy for the general operating fund. As a renewal levy, this issue would not result in any additional taxes to the residents other than what they currently pay.

Both Morley and Whittington have said they are maintaining positive attitudes regarding the levies.

“Thank all those who have stopped in my office and the fire department with questions that they had,” Morley said. “The chief and I are available to speak with anyone that has any questions.”

KRISTI GARABRANDT — THE NEWS-HERALD The staff at the Eastlake Fire Department attend a training on natural gas leaks. Eastlake Chief Ted Whittington indicates that the levy passing will allow the Eastlake department to maintain the staff it has now and keep it updated with training.