TOLEDO, Ohio – The Toledo Fire and Rescue Department could see layoffs among its newest members if voters reject the city’s proposed safety levy, Issue 16, in the Nov. 3 election, union leaders said Tuesday.
Union says levy funds are critical for staffing
Joe Cira, president of Toledo Firefighters Local 92, emailed union members outlining the potential impact of a failed levy. The department employs 591 staff, with more than 90% belonging to Local 92. Those who are not yet members are typically academy trainees with the lowest seniority, making them most vulnerable to cuts.
“They’re a very important group of people for us because they’re the next generation,” Cira said. “If something were to happen and they’re not able to get through this training because this levy doesn’t pass, we have to restart.”
Issue 16 details
The measure would impose a temporary .25% income tax on city workers, beginning Jan. 1, 2027 and lasting through the end of 2030. The tax would cost $2.50 per $1,000 of earned income – roughly $75 for a worker earning $30,000 annually.
Cira emphasized that the levy is intended to fund emergency services, including both police and fire safety operations, and to preserve the department’s ability to respond quickly to calls.
Potential service impacts
According to Cira, response times suffer when staffing is thin. “You got a quick response because you had units that were available and could get there and they were within your neighborhood,” he explained. “If you got a slow response, it’s because we’re running so thin and they’re coming from someplace else and getting to you is a challenge.”
He added that without the levy, the city would need to find alternative funding sources to keep all firefighters on staff, though he was unsure where that money would come from.
City officials’ stance
Rachel Hart, the city’s chief of communications, said Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz wants to review the union’s information before commenting publicly.
The city’s Finance Committee is scheduled to discuss the safety levy and its contingency plans on Wednesday.
Union outreach ahead of the vote
Local 92 is mobilizing volunteers to inform voters at polling locations. “We’re going to have people out at the polls trying to give information and help people understand how important this levy is,” Cira said. “If you’ve ever called 911 and seen a quick response, you’ll know why we need these resources.”
The union also noted that any layoffs would require at least 30 days’ notice to its members, underscoring the desire for transparency in any staffing decisions.
What voters need to know
Issue 16 appears on the ballot as a temporary tax increase aimed at preserving public safety services. Voters who support the levy will help ensure that the fire department can maintain its current staffing levels and continue to provide rapid emergency response throughout Toledo.
Original reporting: 13abc WTVG Toledo (news) — read the source article.
