Norton Fire/EMS funding explained
To the editor:
I believe there is a common misconception among the good citizens of Norton regarding the appropriation of funds for the Norton Fire and EMS division. Before casting your vote at the polls in November, it should be clear to all voters how Norton Fire and EMS is funded.
It has been rumored that by replacing the Police Department with the [Summit County] Sheriff’s Office, it will save the city approximately $1.5 million per year. Comments have been circulating within the community indicating that this money could be appropriated to the Norton Fire and EMS division, thereby eliminating the need for an additional fire levy on the November ballot. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
The Norton Fire and EMS division is supported solely by the fire levies passed by the voters. Money saved from replacing the Police Department with the Sheriffs Office will remain in the city of Norton’s General Fund, which supported the Police Department budget and cannot be transferred to support Fire and EMS expenditures.
This November election is pivotal for the citizens of Norton in assuring the continued safety of the community. Passage of the fire levy is the only way to be certain that the services of the Norton Fire and EMS division will be maintained to the current standards you have come to expect. Please support the Norton safety forces by voting “yes” for the passage of the fire levy and vote “no” to reject the disbanding of the Police Department. These votes will maintain the current levels of service and keep control of the Norton safety forces in the hands of the citizens of Norton.
Matthew Beck, treasurer, Norton
Fire and EMS Saves Lives
Political Action Committee
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