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Fairfield Twp.'s growing residential and commercial development means a boost in fire department staffing that will see its payroll more than double since 2006.

But in a letter sent late last week to the Fairfield Echo, trustees Steve Morgan and Terry Scharnhorst said funding those needs via a fire levy was not a road they intended to travel just yet.

"Through sound planning and forward thinking, we have adequate financial resources without the need for a levy," the letter said.

The letter also mentions the possibility of amending a joint economic development district agreement to "brighten the financial picture."

"As long as we have money coming into the general fund, the fire department is going to have money, too," Morgan said. "I think the next couple of years are going to be all right."

During a March 11 meeting, trustees indicated a levy was among several options to be discussed during a March 25 work session. However, Morgan said trustees promised voters the 3-mill and 2-mill levies they approved in 2000 would suffice for 10 years without the need for an increase.

"If things get so bad that we have to do something, that's fine, but if it's not a 'have to,' we want to make this thing work," he said. "My whole goal is to save all the taxpayers money, if we can."

In stressing reliance on the township's general fund, Morgan and Scharnhorst echoed remarks made at last week's meeting by Trustee President Mark Sutton.

Scharnhorst said he wants to postpone talk of a tax levy for as long as possible.

"Everybody has to tighten their belts up, the way the economy is right now. I don't think the township should be any different," he said. "If there's any way at all to come up with money from somewhere else, I'd rather do that than go to voters at this time."

Township officials are scheduled to hold a 5 p.m. March 25 work session at the Fairfield Twp. Administration Building, 6032 Morris Road, to discuss the township's general fund and the fire department's budget.

For more information, call (513) 887-4400.