Forest Park residents voted on Nov. 5 to reject a renewal levy that would have provided additional funding for the city’s fire and emergency medical services. The narrow defeat has city leaders and Fire Chief Jermaine Hill warning that without the extra dollars, the department may face budget trims that could reduce staffing, ambulances, and response speed.

Funding shortfall and its impact

Chief Hill explained that the department’s budget has been flat for several years while costs for fuel, vehicle repairs, training, and salaries have risen sharply. “When we have more trucks on the road, we have more people here that can fill those slots, we can respond faster,” Hill said. He warned that a reduction in resources could double response times in some cases, turning a four‑minute arrival into eight to twelve minutes – a critical difference in medical emergencies such as heart attacks and strokes.

Service demand remains high

The Forest Park Fire Department responds to more than 6,000 calls each year, with roughly 85% of those being medical emergencies. Rapid response is essential for outcomes in life‑threatening situations, and the department relies on a fleet of engines, ladders, and ambulances to meet that demand.

Potential budget adjustments

Without the levy’s revenue, city officials say they will need to explore cost‑saving measures. Options under consideration include reducing the number of full‑time firefighters, consolidating ambulance units, and seeking additional mutual‑aid agreements with neighboring jurisdictions. While mutual aid can provide backup, it often adds travel time, which could affect patient outcomes.

Future funding efforts

City leaders indicated they may place a similar funding question on the ballot in May, giving voters another chance to support the fire and EMS services. In the meantime, the department will continue to operate with its current resources, but officials stress the importance of community awareness and support for public safety funding.

Regional context

This levy was one of 12 fire, EMS, and police levies on the ballot across Greater Cincinnati this November. Seven passed, while five were rejected, reflecting a mixed response from voters on public‑safety financing in the region.

Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.