The City of Lebanon has placed language on the ballot that would increase the City income tax from 1% to 1.5% that, if approved, would automatically reduce the existing Fire property tax levy by 3 mills. All additional revenue generated from the .5% income tax increase will be directed to Fire and EMS.
The Lebanon Division of Fire is committed to providing outstanding fire and emergency medical services to the community. The number of service calls to the department has increased by 25% over the past 5 years. Under current funding levels, the department must rely on a combination of full-time and part-time staff to fill each shift.
Due to regional part-time labor shortages, the number of available part-time Fire and EMS personnel has decreased by 75%. A shortage of part-time staff can result in fire station closings which lengthens response times.
A full-time department is necessary to continue to provide the quality Fire and EMS services that the community relies on. The Fire & EMS Income Tax Levy will support:
- Hiring additional full-time Fire/EMS employees to eliminate reliance on part-time staffing.
- Respond to increased calls for service/avoid temporary fire station closings.
- Reducing the existing Fire property tax levy by 3 mills.
For more information about the Fire & EMS Income Tax Levy, please
click here.