Dan LaLone
Contributing Writer

(Courtesy photo: The cost of running a township, village and city has made several area municipalities, including Brookfield Township, introduce a special assessment to raise more funds to support services, including fire protection coverage.)

The Brookfield Township Board voted April 20 to discontinue fire coverage through Hamlin Township Fire Department after months of debate over rising costs.

Supervisor Nolan Spotts said the board needed to make a decision after discussing the issue for three meetings.

Clerk Tara Miller said the township paid Hamlin about $5,500 last year on a per-run basis, but Hamlin is now seeking a flat-rate contract of $15,000 annually.

Board members said they had not heard back from Hamlin after discussing an offer of $10,000 for this year instead of the proposed $15,000. An official later revealed the email to Hamlin was never sent.

Miller proposed paying Hamlin $10,000 this year and $15,000 annually for the next four years as part of a five-year agreement. Board members said the township has used reserves during each of the past three years to cover expenses.

The proposal failed in a 3-2 vote.

Several board members said they wanted one final attempt at reaching an agreement with Hamlin because it provides faster coverage to the eastern portion of the township.

Spotts then made a motion to discontinue Hamlin coverage. The motion passed in a 3-2 vote, likely resulting in longer response times as fire coverage shifts to Charlotte.

Following the meeting, Miller stated that she was disappointed with the decision, especially since the board later approved moving forward with a special assessment district for emergency services.

“I am disappointed in the outcome of the vote to withdraw from Hamlin Township Fire Department and sever a long-term relationship,” Miller wrote. “The Hamlin Township Fire Department has provided excellent service to the residents on the east and southeast side of our township for nearly 40 years.”

Miller noted the township’s 2026-27 budget already included funding for Hamlin this year and said she believed future costs could have been covered through the special assessment. She also said there had been little input from residents in the affected area.

The board then turned to funding fire and EMS services through a possible special assessment. Members debated whether to pursue a flat-rate assessment or a millage.

Officials said a flat rate would be easier on the treasurer to administer, while a millage would provide some tax relief to farmers with land enrolled in the state’s PA 116 farmland preservation program.

Treasurer Helene Larson said an additional $60,000 would significantly help the township’s fire and EMS budget. Officials said the township expects to spend about $21,000 on EMS coverage, $3,000 to $4,000 for Hamlin calls billed before service ends and $110,540.13 for Charlotte fire coverage.

Board members said there are no equipment charges expected this year, although future costs could arise if Charlotte purchases additional equipment. They also noted that an increase in Carmel Township’s contract with Charlotte is expected to return about $100,000 to the rural fire association.

The board discussed either a 1-mill or 2-mill assessment. Officials said 1 mill would generate about $66,000 annually, while 2 mills would bring in about $132,000.

Trustee Marshal Williams later made a motion for a 1-mill levy for a five-year term. A public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for June 1 at 7 p.m. during the regular board meeting.

More information and meeting minutes are available at www.brookfieldtownship.com.