News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Alpena Township Fire Chief Tim Baker shows off the operational components of one of the old fire trucks at the township’s southside station on Monday. The township is considering a millage proposal for the fire department during the August 2026 primary election.

ALPENA — Alpena Township may seek a remove-and-replace millage for the township’s fire department during the August 2026 primary election.

The proposal would remove the current 1.4953 millage dedicated to fire protection and replace it with a new millage of 3.475 for four years.

In 2022, the township tried twice to get a six-year, 3-mill proposal approved by voters, but the proposal was defeated each time.

Alpena Township Fire Chief Tim Baker says the current millage isn’t enough to ensure that fire protection services remain effective, reliable, and capable of meeting the evolving needs of the township.

If the proposed millage passes, it would cost a person who owns a home with a taxable value of $100,000 approximately $348 per year, nearly $200 more than the roughly $150 people pay now for a house of the same taxable value.

The current tax will expire at the end of 2027.

“The existing 1.4953 millage, established August 2018, no longer generates sufficient revenue to adequately fund the current and future needs of our fire department,” Baker said in his report. “The cost of equipment, personnel, and operational expenses has significantly increased over time.”

In a report to the Alpena Township Board of Trustees on Monday, Baker listed why a tax increase is needed.

He said the department faces challenges because of the growing population and service area, which includes many new households and businesses, aging infrastructure and equipment, and a need to ensure adequate staffing is available to respond promptly.

“To provide timely and effective response, our fire department needs sufficient staffing, including both full-time and well-trained volunteer personnel,” Baker said in his report. “The proposed millage will allow us to maintain and potentially enhance staffing levels to meet national safety standards and ensure rapid response times.”

The additional funding from the millage would also support enhanced training programs, ensuring first responders are prepared for a wide range of emergencies.

Baker added that addressing the issues now can help prevent having to make harder decisions in the future if the millage proposal fails.

“By proactively addressing the funding gap now, we can avoid more significant and potentially disruptive shortfalls in the future,” Baker said. “This responsible approach ensures the long-term sustainability of our fire protection services.”

Baker said currently, the township allocates $200,000 from the general fund for fire department operations and if the millage was passed, if it indeed goes on the ballot, that money could be used for other township needs like road improvements.

Baker explained to the trustees the potential consequences to the fire department should the proposed millage fail. He listed off what the short-term and long-term ramifications could be.

He said one of the immediate implications could be job loss to fire department employees.

“To cope with a significantly reduced budget, the township and fire department would likely be forced to consider personnel reductions, including firefighters and potentially administrative staff,” Baker said in his report. “This would directly impact the department’s ability to respond effectively and maintain current staffing levels.”

He added that should the proposal fail, there could be cuts to services and it would make it difficult to replace or purchase new equipment. Also, Baker said, it would likely cost property owners in the township more in insurance.

“A poorly funded fire department can negatively impact the Township’s Insurance Services Office rating,” he said. “A lower rating could lead to higher property insurance premiums for residents and businesses within the township.”

The long-term ramifications, if more tax revenue isn’t garnered, include an increased risk to public safety, challenges in attracting and retaining fire department personnel, increased need for mutual aid from other fire departments outside the township, and potentially a loss of public confidence.

“In summary, the failure of the proposed millage would likely have significant and detrimental consequences for fire protection services in Alpena Township, potentially jeopardizing the safety

of residents and property and creating long-term challenges for the community,” Baker said. “I am committed to being transparent and accountable in the use of these funds. The township

board will ensure that the millage revenue is dedicated solely to fire protection services and I will

provide regular updates to the community on how these funds are being utilized.”

Baker added that if the remove-and-replace millage fails next year, it is likely the township will have to seek another fire department millage after the current tax expires.

“At that time, another millage will have to be requested and passed to continue any type of fire services to residents.”

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 or sschulwitz@TheAlpenaNews.com. Follow him on X @ss_alpenanews.com.