2-24-2026 7:55pm

Salem/Morrow Fire Department's Is Seeking Financial Support From Its Residents

Beth Callahan Editor

MORROW, OH -- The Salem/Morrow Fire Department's increase in runs and area growth are creating a need for additional manpower as well as operating cost.

"In the past decade we have seen a 35% increase in run volume and our neighbors are likewise
experiencing significant increases in calls. Because of this we need to add one additional person on shift, increasing from 4 currently to 5 on shift, 24 hours per day, 7 days a week," explained John Moenster, Salem/Morrow Fire Department Fire Chief.

Moenster went on to explain that without the updating of this levy, the department will not be able to maintain current services..." let alone add the personnel that we need to maintain safe responses and the best services for our community."

Back in 2016, Salem Township, which includes the village of Morrow residents, passed a 3.9 mil levy that expires at the end of this year. The Salem Township Board of Trustees have placed an additional 3.9 mil levy on this May's ballot to help "replace" the monies that will disappear when the 2016 levy ends.

"The cost of the expiring levy is $74 per 100K of property value. The new levy will cost $137 per 100K of property value. Thus, the net increase in taxes will be $63 per $100K of value and will yield an additional $441,388 annually," Moenster noted, adding, "This update of levies with changing
property values is what replacement levies used to accomplish, but those are no longer an option."

Moenster explained that this new levy is on the ballot as an "additional" and that they will not seek to renew the 2016 levy after the passage of this new 2026 levy.

The Salem/Morrow Fire Department covers 39 square miles and serves a population of approximately 8,000 people. It is a combined agency in that it provides both fire and EMS, as well as all types of technical rescue and non-emergency prevention and education services.

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. If passed it will be for 5 years, commencing in 2026, first due in calendar year 2027.