Dover Township
After careful consideration, we have determined that the addition of a continuing fire, rescue and ambulance levy is necessary to maintain the level of service our community deserves. Our last levy for these services was in 1995; and for thirty years, our township has successfully provided emergency services through careful budgeting and diligent management and maintenance of existing resources. The needs of our township have grown significantly over the last three decades and so have the costs of providing these critical services.
We understand that budgets are tight and any request for new taxes must be thoroughly considered. Please review the following information from the Auditor’s Office and Fire Department before voting November 4.
KNOW BEFORE YOU VOTE | ISSUE 9 BY THE NUMBERS
Less than 14% of registered Dover Township voters participated in the May 2025 election. The November 4 ballot has three issues important to Dover Township residents. Add Election Day to your calendar, and visit: http://www.boe.ohio.gov/tuscarawas for election information.
The copay per ambulance ride for Medicare patients ranges from $240 – $260 according to AARP. Uninsured patient bills often exceed $1,000. If Issue 9 is approved, all Dover Township residents—including those in Parral—would pay $0 for DFD ambulance services in response to emergency calls.
From when the call is answered to when the first truck arrives on-site, DFD Fire Chief Russ Volkert said the department’s average response time in the township is 7 minutes 37 seconds. “The new station has dramatically improved our response times due to its proximity to both Schneiders Crossing and Parral.”
If Issue 9 is approved, the 205 Dover Township residents in Parral would now receive the same services as the rest of Dover Township. “Dover and Dover Township are insurance-only billing, which means the resident does not see a bill for emergency care provided by Dover Fire,” said DFD Fire Chief Russ Volkert. “Parral residents currently receive a bill for their insurance copays.”
Since the 1995 levy was passed, DFD has seen a 63% increase in annual calls, from 1,409 in 1995 to 2,296 in 2024. With Dover Township residents now making about 10% of calls, this new levy would provide roughly 10% of DFD’s annual operating budget.
If approved this levy would begin in 2026. Taxpayers will not see the increase to their property tax bill until February 2027.
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