By David Fleet
Editor
Groveland Twp.-On May 22 the township board of trustees gathered for a special meeting to discuss options for possible changes in the township fire department.
At issue are the efforts of the township board of trustees to determine the best cost structure and effective measure to keep the fire department financially sustainable.
The evaluation of the township fire department was prompted when current long time fire chief Steve McGee announced his retirement effective June 15, 2018; the average fire budget surplus over the last 14 years has averaged $26,000 per year and the cash reserves kept as back up for the department is down 50 percent over the last year. The accounting firm of Pfeffer Hanniford & Palka provided the data.
“We just want to give the residents some options along with facts to help make a decision regarding the fire department,” said Bob DePalma, township supervisor.

Next week surveys will be mailed out to township households by officials with two options to consider:
Should the township continue with the current fire department which includes the current millage. Several internal changes will be included and detailed in data provided by the township.
The second option would be for the township to consolidate with The North Oakland County Fire Authority which could include and prompt a reduction in fire department millage to about 3.2 say township officials.
Currently, township residents pay 3.94 mills for fire protection, or $394 each year in taxes for a $200,000 home. The fire funds were also supplemented by medical runs to other communities. Following a budget meeting in February 2011 the township board voted for a .44 mills tax hike for the fire department. The department had operated on 3.5 mills and can levy up to 5 mills without a vote which was approved by voters in 2000.
The North Oakland County Fire Authority or NOCF was formed in 1984. The department is located in Holly and has a primary response area of about 69 square miles consisting of Holly and Rose townships. The department includes a population of about 18,000 for both townships. In 2017 they responded to 950 calls, which included mutual aid calls.
The township fire department includes five full-time firefighters and 47 part-time. Two tanker trucks, one equipment truck, one brush fire truck, a ladder truck and four life support vehicles.
The Groveland Fire Department services about 2,000 households and 70 businesses within the township with a population of about 5,400 residents.
The data from the survey’s will be compiled and available for review at the township offices. The information regarding the fire department will be available on the township Website, cable channel 10 and YouTube for residents to watch.