MI Township Voters to Decide on FD Millage Renewal

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI—When voters in Clinton Township go to the polls during the presidential primary Tuesday, March 10, they will be asked to approve a millage renewal to continue funding the Clinton Fire Department.

It is the third time that voters will vote for the 1.6 mills on taxable value of property for a term of eight years. The tax is estimated to raise $184,000 during the first year of the levy.

Clinton Township supervisor and fire board chairman Basil Greenleaf made clear that if approved the millage is not going to raise taxes. Rather, it is a continuation of the rate residents have paid for the past 16 years.

"Every nickel, every dime all goes to the Clinton Fire Department," Greenleaf said.

Greenleaf said that almost all of it goes toward department operations, and what little is left over goes toward the department's new truck fund.

Greenleaf said that department costs increase every year due to the price of equipment and supplies rising. This includes vehicle tires, turnout gear, new hoses and building maintenance. Other costs include training classes for personnel.

Since the last time the millage was renewed, the department was able to buy a new rescue vehicle, kept all turnout gear up to date, and purchased a new set of rescue tools and 500 feet of five-inch hose, among other items.

The money was also used to keep both tankers up-to-date and compliant.

"We have a very grateful community around here with our fire department and we've had a lot of people tell us that they're proud of the fire department and we're happy with it," Greenleaf said.

Greenleaf said that these costs contribute to Clinton receiving the highest possible safety rating from the Insurance Services Office (ISO).

"The outstanding ISO rating means residents pay less for property insurance," Greenleaf said. "A positive vote will allow our Clinton Fire Department to continue to be one of the best volunteer departments in Michigan."

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