Addison’s fire millages seem a little complicated at first glance, but it’s real simple.
Yes, technically both are tax increases because they’re asking residents to authorize two 0.75-mill property taxes at the original voter-approved rates from 1972 and 1988.
So yes, if the full 1.5 mills were to be levied should both taxes pass, homeowners would pay more.
According to Fire Chief George Spencer, based on the average home value, the tax increase at the full levy would equal $34.36 more each year.
But consider two things.
First of all, thanks to the Addison Twp. Fire Department’s hard work and thoughtful planning, the township and village’s ISO ratings were drastically reduced.
Greg Clay, of the Curtis Insurance Agency in Oxford, indicated this improved ISO rating would translate into a 14-30 percent reduction in homeowners insurance premiums for township residents and a savings of approximately 25 percent for those living in Leonard. That’s not peanuts.
Addison resident Elmo Madden, who lives on Lakeville Lake, reported his homeowners insurance premiums will decrease by approximately $380 a year thanks to the new ISO rating.
When you do the math, the insurance savings for residents far outweighs the potential tax increase. To us, that’s a pretty great return on the residents? investment.
Another factor to consider is that it’s up to the township board to decide how much of that 1.5 mills to levy, should voters approve both millages.
Historically, Addison has levied less than the voter-approve millage rate in certain instances.
Over the years, the township board has proven if the money’s not needed, they won’t levy the full tax. That’s a rare thing these days.
Both of these millages are absolutely vital to the fire department’s ability to continue its current level of service.
We strongly urge Addison residents to vote YES on both the six-year, 0.75 mill tax for fire and ambulance services and the eight-year, 0.75-mill tax for capital purchases and improvements. ? CJC