Residents Deserve a Voice in Fire Department Sharing Plans

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Community Input Missing in Trustee Decisions on Fire Service Sharing

Most residents who work during the day and are unable to attend Trustee meetings often miss the opportunity to voice their concerns or ask questions about critical community issues. As a result, media coverage tends to reflect only the Trustee discussions, not the public’s inquiries or pushback.

The recent Russell Trustee Meeting highlights this concern. During the meeting, officials from South Russell requested that the Russell Trustees submit a bid to share fire and rescue services, effective December 31, 2025. However, with minimal resident attendance, no questions were raised about how this sharing plan might affect response times or the additional wear and tear on Russell’s fire equipment and staffing.

As a former volunteer firefighter and board member of the fire association she served at, Amy Heutmaker is well-versed in these concerns. She also holds two master’s degrees — one in Business Administration and another in Counseling — equipping her to provide effective leadership for Russell Township. She believes that decisions of this magnitude should not be made hastily or without thorough community input.

For example, the recent meeting did not address the significant future costs associated with firefighting equipment — a crucial issue for local taxpayers. The cost to replace a typical fire truck has more than doubled in the past decade, rising from just over $1 million to an estimated $2.2 million in 2025.

Our community’s property taxes are among the highest in Geauga County, reflecting residents' willingness to invest in quality fire, police, and road services. Yet, the public has not been given formal opportunities for open discussions, public hearings, or participatory input on this critical decision to potentially share fire services with South Russell.

All three Trustees, including the incumbent seeking re-election on November 4, voted to move forward with the bidding process. However, Amy Heutmaker and John Ishee advocate for a different approach. They believe such decisions should be made with careful consideration and ample opportunity for community feedback.

John Ishee, a successful small business owner and dedicated caregiver for his parents, understands firsthand the importance of response times in emergencies. His personal stake in the safety and well-being of residents exemplifies the type of public official who honestly considers the impact of community decisions.

Russell Township residents deserve transparent, inclusive decision-making on issues that directly affect public safety and community resources. Amy Heutmaker and John Ishee are committed to ensuring their voices are heard before any significant changes are implemented.

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