Most of the talk about the Tuesday, May 5, special election has been about roads, but Dorr and Martin townships also will have ballot issues on behalf of their fire departments.

The Dorr Township Fire Department will ask local voters to approve a half-mill levy for equipment and maintenance. The Martin Township Fire Department, meanwhile, is seeking approval of an 0.9-mill levy for eight years for the same purpose.

Dorr Township voters in November 2012 turned down a request for a renewal of the 0.5 mill, so the department has been operating since without it.

“The goal of the major fire equipment millage is to provide Dorr Township with the most effective and reliable equipment possible,” said Fire Chief Gary Fordham. “With a millage, apparatus can be replaced on a 25-year schedule. Advancements in technology and improvements in equipment can make it possible to extinguish fires more quickly, safely, and with less damage to the rest of the structure.

“Safety and damage reduction are of utmost importance for every member of Dorr Township Fire Department… to provide the best service possible.”

Fordham stressed that the money raised by the half mill may not be used for any other purpose.

The chief went on to explain:

• The millage serves as a proactive savings plan to replace fire and Rescue vehicles on a 25-year schedule.
• The township’s second engine, 310, cost thousands in repair and was out of service for several weeks last year. Money for repairs comes out of the department’s general fund — this means there is less money to replace gear, radios, flashlights and other safety equipment.
• Maintaining current pumping capacity will allow us to keep our current ISO rating of 6. ISO ratings are used to calculate home owners’ insurance.
• Saving money to purchase new equipment greatly reduces the risk of needing to take out an interest-bearing loan at increased cost to the taxpayers.
• When vehicles age to the point where repairs are not possible, it becomes a life safety factor for firefighters and Dorr residents.
• Ability to pump water is a large factor of the ISO rating. Should Dorr lose the use of one of its trucks, it could return to a rating of 9. Currently, homeowners save an average of 20% on their homeowners insurance.

The cost for the millage to the average home will be $31.

In Martin Township, Fire Chief John Schippers said the millage, if approved, will be used to buy a rescue truck and shore up equipment.

“One of the current needs is a new rescue truck that is capable to carry personnel and all the rescue equipment safely,” the chief said. “Some upcoming needs will be replacing the SCBAs (self contained breathing apparatus), which is necessary for fighting fires. Also, the primary engine will need to replaced in 10 years to stay compliant according to the National Fire Protection Association standards.

“These are some of the upcoming needs the fire department is preparing for future needs.”