BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio --
Officials with the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation told NEWS9 that the Neffs Fire Department owes more than $91,000 in insurance premiums.
State officials said the department has not paid their bi-annual premiums since 2006.
State officials said if something happened to a worker with the department, the state would cover the cost of the claim. However, the cost will add to the department's balance.
The Ohio BWC said they turned over Neffs' balance to the Ohio Attorney General's office collections division.
If the department continues not to pay their balance, the Attorney General's office can place a lien on the fire department's property, which is a concern for residents.
"They'll answer if my house is on fire. So, hopefully they'll find the money to pay for that," said Bellaire resident Chris Agrusa.
In December, NEWS9 reported that the Neffs Fire Department also owed more than $800,000 in back taxes to the IRS.
At the time, Fire Chief John Driscoll said his department would be able to protect residents.
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