ORWELL – A five-year, 3-mill additional fire levy will be on the ballot for Orwell residents May 5 with Issue 4, an attempt to expand the Orwell Volunteer Fire Department’s personnel and services.
Issue 4 would take effect in 2027 and cost a property owner about $100 per $100,000 in taxable home value.
The new fire levy would be in addition to a five-year, 1-mil property tax levy funding the fire department renewed by voters in November, 2025.
That levy was originally approved in 2001 and the renewal was for a period of five years, with collection beginning in 2026. The levy raises $18,902 and costs property owners $22 a year for each $100,000 in appraised, taxable property value, according to information from the Ashtabula County Auditor’s Office.
A town hall about the levy will be held 6 p.m. Monday, April 27, at 72 E. Main St.
The Orwell Volunteer Fire Department provides primary response to fires, rescue operations and hazardous material incidents for Orwell Village, Orwell and Colebrook townships, according to the department website. In addition, the department provides public education and safety inspections.
Issue 4 is part of an ongoing effort by village administration to expand the Orwell Volunteer Fire Department.
During a Wednesday, Oct. 16, work session of Orwell Village Council, Village Manager Dr. Sean Ratican, reported that he has published listings for several part-time firefighters. Interim Fire Chief Shane Gregory told council that part-time staff will be able to complete annual inspections, restart a Knox box program, establish a training program with industry, update preplanning procedures, increase visibility at community events, research for grants and perform maintenance on vehicles and building.
During a Tuesday, Oct. 21, meeting of Orwell Village Council, a payroll ordinance created three tiers for firefighters with the department:
• Firefighter Basic: $17.50 an hour
• Firefighter/EMT: $18.50 an hour
• Firefighter/Paramedic: $19.50 an hour
This is a major step toward expanding the fire service in Orwell and its level of service, according to Ratican.
Issue 4 will help cover the cost of newly-hired part-time firefighters, according to Ratican.
