Readers of this post hopefully are familiar with the basics of the May 6 proposed fire levy in Liberty Township:
- Funds fire, rescue and EMS for the nearly 40 thousand residents of the township
- 2.4 mills
- $84 per $100k property valuation
For more detail, see the fire department’s information.
When I began writing these posts, I knew my style of thinking wouldn’t resonate with everyone. Still, I’ve been encouraged by the attention and thoughtful responses many of you have given. I’m grateful to anyone who’s taken time to engage with this analysis.
This blog series includes six posts that build on one another. If you’re new here, I recommend reading them in the order below for the clearest understanding:
Understanding Property Tax Revenue to Liberty Township – Cultivated Resilience
An introduction to how property taxes fund township services—and a case for evaluating revenue using per capita (revenue per resident) rather than the common per $100k of property value.
Liberty Township Fire Levy Tax Revenue (Per Capita) – Cultivated Resilience
Tracking per capita fire levy revenue from 2014 reveals that while population has grown, revenue hasn’t kept pace with inflation or service demands.
Per Capita Revenue of Liberty Township: Comparison to Peer Departments – Cultivated Resilience
Per capita comparisons show that Liberty Township, if the proposed levy passes, would align with peer communities—many of which recently passed levies of their own.
What About That New Fire Station? – Cultivated Resilience
A brief response to concerns about the cost of the new station, which replaced a 35-year-old facility without asking voters for additional funds.
Here I take the per capita view and scale it back up—looking at total fund balances under different assumptions and showing why the levy matters for long-term sustainability.
Fire, Rescue & EMS Are Insurance for Liberty Township – Cultivated Resilience
Our fire department is more than a service—it’s community insurance. This post frames the conversation in terms of fragility, resilience, and the role of local investment in our safety.
As I said at the outset, I know not everyone will read all of this—or agree with it. Some minds are made up. Others are simply busy or unaware the levy is on the ballot. That’s okay.
I’m in this for the long haul. Cultivating a resilient community means sharing my perspective while genuinely trying to understand others—especially when they challenge my own views. I’ve seen arguments that I believe miss the mark, but I also know there are often deeper concerns behind them. I want to keep listening.
Because once we find the common ground in our concerns, we have a better chance of solving problems together.
Liberty Township is a quiet, peaceful place most of the time. But every community faces hard choices—and sometimes, bigger challenges. This levy vote is one decision among many. Whether it passes or fails, I’ll keep showing up, ready to work for what’s next.
Thanks for reading!
Cultivated Resilience 
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