FAQ

Why do we need more Firefighters?

Currently, STFD employs 12 full-time firefighters (FFs) with 4 FFs working a 24-hour shift every
third day. This means we have only 4 FFs scheduled, which provides for a minimum of 2 to be on duty at any given time. We do have 2 additional on-call FFs from which we schedule an additional FF to supplement the full-time staff by covering open shifts. This gives us the possibility of having 4 FFs on duty at less than half of the time. But, many of our on-call FFs have other jobs and cannot always be on
duty when needed. The importance of having 4 FFs on duty all the time is the requirement of
the “2-in 2-out” rule. In the event of a structure fire, there must be at least 4 FFs on scene if
there is the need to enter the burning structure. If that need arises, 2 FFs would enter the
structure to fight the fire and 2 would remain outside performing other tasks and to rescue the inside FFs should the need arise. Thus, the “2-in, 2-out” terminology. However, a structure fire often
requires 15-20 FFs on scene so we have to rely on the on-call FFs, and mutual aid from other
fire departments.

Why do we need a second station?

Scio Township’s current station, Station #1, was built in 1986 and has served the
Township well. You may recall that we recently had to do a major renovation to the building
which had seen little if any improvements for more than thirty years. The site for Station 1 was
selected because it is nearly the exact center of the Township. This allowed for the best
response time possible for most of the Township. However, over the years, growth in the
Township has been more in certain areas than others – most notably the southeast area. As a result, more residents and businesses are beyond the standard of a 6-minute response time.
The location of the proposed Station 2 is at the corner of Liberty and Wagner Roads. This
location will improve our response time in that area of the Township.

Can’t we just add more firefighters to the Zeeb Road station?

No. The building has a maximum capacity of 4 FFs. Remember, this building was designed
more than thirty years ago when the population of Scio was approximately 9,000. We are now approaching twice that.

What will happen to Station 1 when Station 2 is opened?

Station 1 will remain the central station for Scio for the foreseeable future. Projections show
that the next area of major growth will be on the west side of the Township. In order to plan for future growth, the Township should be looking to acquire land for a third station. Station 1 will continue to provide service for the Township for at least another 15 – 30 years.

Question: Why do you need 2.7 mills?

Answer: Currently, Scio Taxpayers are paying 1.35 mills. This proposal over time would increase the taxes paid by taxpayers to fund additional firefighters at Zeeb Rd, architectural/engineering/construction of a second fire station at Wagner Road/additional firefighters at Wagner Rd as well as additional equipment. Scio Township would increase the amount of taxes collected over time but would not immediatley tax 4 mills in 2024 if voters were to approve the ballot proposal on November 7th.

Question: Why is this an SAD?

Answer: A Special Assessment District allows the Board of Trustees and the Scio Township Fire Department to assess residents based on the cost of service. Each year the Fire Chief will need to bring a budget and a public hearing will be held to determine the millage rate. A millage has a defined rate fixed for a set period of time and does not provide the flexibility that an SAD does for control over the rate.

Question: Is every parcel included in the SAD?

Answer: Yes, every parcel in Scio Township is included in the SAD.

Paid for with regulated funds by: Friends of Scio Fire 713 Merlin Way Dexter, MI 48130