TRUMBULL COUNTY, Ohio (WKBN) – Voters in two Trumbull County communities approved levies for their fire departments.

The Champion Fire Department’s levy passed with over 62% of the votes, according to unofficial returns.

By a closer margin, the Newton Falls Joint District Fire District also passed its levy with just over 51%, according to unofficial returns.

Newton Falls’ five-year 4-mill levy will generate a little more than $500,000 a year for the department.

Theobald says their personnel costs alone come close to that.

“I don’t think thank you would be big enough we appreciate their confidence in our work, and by voting a yes vote, they are able to continue that,” said Fire Chief Doug Theobald.

The department has seen an increase in the number of calls in recent years. Add that to the rising cost of the department’s utilities, fuel and medical supplies, it takes a big hit on their current budget.

The levy will cost the owner of a $100,000 home an additional $140 a year.

The Champion’s Fire Department’s additional 0.95-mill continual levy will cost the owner of a $100,000 home an extra $33.25 a year.

“We’re ecstatic with it, you know, thankful to the residents that they understand the need for us to continue to provide the excellent service that we do with our fire department, whether it’s fire protection or providing advanced life support with our ambulances that we have,” said Champion firefighter Austin Gebhardt.

It will generate $179,314 annually for the department.

That money will help keep up with current operations.

Check the graphic below for updated results from these two levies or view all of the races on our Election Results page.