Fire protection and emergency medical services in Westfield Township are funded through the Westfield Fire & Rescue District, a separate political subdivision. Funding is provided through voter-approved levies and other authorized revenue sources and is restricted for fire and emergency service purposes.  Funds designated for Fire & EMS services cannot be used for unrelated township operations.

How Fire & EMS Services Are Funded

The Fire & Rescue District receives funding from multiple sources, including:

• Voter-approved operating levies

• Bond levies for capital facilities

• Grants (state and federal)

• Donations and fundraising

• Cost recovery billing for certain incidents

These revenue sources support daily operations, staffing, training, equipment, facilities, and long-term planning.

Operating Levies

Operating levies provide funding for the ongoing costs of Fire & EMS services, including:

• Staffing and training

• Equipment maintenance

• Utilities and insurance

• Contracted services

The District currently receives revenue from:

• • A 2.5 mill continuous operating levy approved in 2012, currently collecting at a reduced effective rate

(Millage rates and effective tax impacts are determined by the Medina County Auditor.)

Bond Levy

A 20-year bond levy approved in 2018 provides funding for the Fire & Rescue facility.

• The bond funds were used for construction of the Fire & Rescue building

• Bond levy funds are restricted to debt repayment and cannot be used for operations

What Fire & EMS Funding Supports

Funding supports both operating and capital needs, including:

Operating Expenses

• Personnel wages and benefits

• Training and certification

• Equipment maintenance and repairs

• Utilities, insurance, and contracted services

Over the past several years, operating costs have increased due to:

• Rising utility and insurance costs

• Increased costs for equipment testing and maintenance

• Contractual cost increases

Capital Expenses

Capital funding supports long-term investments, including:

• Fire apparatus and emergency vehicles

• Major equipment purchases

• Facility-related needs

Capital planning is necessary due to the high cost and long lead times required to replace emergency vehicles and equipment.

Grants, Donations & Other Revenue

In addition to levy funding, the District actively pursues alternative funding sources:

• Since October 2023, the District has applied for multiple state and federal grants and has received grant funding totaling $46,647 for equipment, gear, and training

• A $50,000 donation was received from Westfield Insurance to support the purchase of a new First Responder Vehicle

• Proceeds from the sale of unused or outdated equipment and limited cost recovery billing help offset certain expenses

Grant and donation funding is competitive and not guaranteed year to year.