Concord Township voters approved a five-year, 3.9-mill additional levy for fire and emergency medical services during the Nov. 5 general election. The levy passed by 6,299 to 6,168 votes, according to unofficial final results from the Lake County Elections Board. The new levy will generate $3,284,000 per year and cost $137 per $100,000 in appraised property valuation, according to the Lake County Auditor’s Office. A representative from the Auditor’s Office previously said that it used property values from before the 2024 property revaluations. Township officials said earlier this year that the levy will fund the fire department’s operational costs and prevent reductions in staffing. They added that it will also allow the township to increase law enforcement funding. Even though the levy funds fire operations, the township will be able to use more funding from a separate law enforcement, fire and EMS levy to fund Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies. The trustees intend to fund enough deputies to have two on duty at any given time. “We would like to thank the Concord Township community for supporting our safety services,” said Concord Township trustee board Chairman Carl Dondorfer. “We know this is challenging times but they supported our fire and police and we’re excited to be able to serve our community with the necessary needs to satisfy our safety services.” “I would just say that I’m grateful and relieved that the levy passed and we don’t have to endure results of shrinking budgets,” added township trustee Morgan McIntosh. The trustees voted over the summer to place the levy on the ballot, following the recommendation of a citizens advisory committee.