Issue 7, a proposed 2.25 mill levy renewal, is on the March 19 ballot, which will provide funds for staffing and equipment needed to operate the City’s paramedic service. Because the levy is a renewal, it will not result in any additional taxes to property owners.
In 1995, North Ridgeville voters passed the City’s first paramedic levy. Those funds were used to hire seven firefighter/paramedics and to equip the Fire Department’s ambulances to provide advanced life support care. Since then, each levy renewal has been supported by the community. The department now has 39 state-certified paramedics on staff and every North Ridgeville firefighter is required to be a paramedic at the time of hire.
In 2023, the Fire Department responded to a total of 5,269 calls for assistance through 911. Over 85 percent of those calls were for emergency medical assistance. The funds received through the paramedic levy are dedicated to ensuring the Fire Department’s ambulances, equipment, staffing and training meet the needs of our growing community.
If you have any questions, contact Fire Chief John Reese at (440) 327-5311.