Somers Community Safety

Referendum Overview

On April 7, 2026, voters in the Village of Somers will decide on a permanent property tax levy increase to fund eight additional full-time Firefighter/Paramedic positions within the Somers Fire & Rescue Department. This investment is designed to strengthen emergency services by increasing guaranteed staffing on all shifts, expanding available personnel for incidents, and helping ensure all three ambulances are staffed and ready when needed.

The Somers Fire & Rescue Department currently operates as a combination department, utilizing paid-on-premise, part-time, and full-time personnel. At present, the department employs 13 full-time members who are distributed across three shifts and two fire stations. This staffing model results in a minimum of two full-time firefighters assigned to each station per day. While paid-on-premise and part-time members supplement this coverage, their availability varies significantly from day to day due to outside employment and other commitments.

In January 2025, the Village commissioned a third-party public safety options assessment to evaluate current service levels and future demands. Based on call volume, projected growth, and operational needs, the analysis concluded that eight additional positions are necessary to adequately serve the community. With multiple development projects already underway and additional proposals being considered, the demand for emergency services is expected to continue rising.

As call volume continues to increase, this staffing structure is placing a greater strain on both personnel and local resources. In 2025, the department responded to a record 1,778 emergency calls. Of those, 728 incidents were overlapping, meaning multiple emergencies occurred at the same time. On average, our community experiences two or more simultaneous calls for service nearly every other day.

Responding effectively to complex or concurrent incidents with limited guaranteed staffing challenges the department’s ability to consistently meet community expectations. This referendum is intended to strengthen the department’s capacity to manage simultaneous and high-demand emergencies, ensuring timely and effective response when minutes matter most for a loved one, a neighbor, a friend, or you.

What’s the Question?

Under state law, the increase in the levy of the Village of Somers for the tax to be imposed for the next fiscal year, 2027, is limited to 2.473%, which results in a levy of $4,420,664. Shall the Village of Somers be allowed to exceed this limit and increase the levy for the next fiscal year, 2027, for the purposes to hire and retain eight (8) additional firefighter / paramedic positions for the Somers Fire Department, and continuing to operate Fire & EMS Services, by a total of 29.407%, which results in a levy of $5,720,664, and on an ongoing basis, include the increase of $1,300,000 for each fiscal year going forward?

What Would a “Yes” Vote Mean?

A “Yes” vote would permanently increase the property tax levy beginning with the 2027 budget to fund eight additional full-time Firefighter/Paramedic positions. For the average homeowner, this investment equates to approximately $0.32 per day for every $100,000 of assessed home value.

This funding would significantly strengthen the department’s operational capacity. By adding full-time personnel, the department would be able to staff the reserve ambulance with paramedics and ensure more firefighters are immediately available to respond to fire and EMS incidents. Increasing guaranteed staffing enhances response capability, leading to faster arrival times, stronger initial scene presence, and more efficient emergency operations.

In critical situations where seconds matter, these improvements can directly influence outcomes and community safety. This referendum allows the department to maintain the level of care, reliability, and professionalism the community expects and ensures we are there when you need us most.

Why Local 4831 Supports the Referendum

As proud members of Local 4831, we strongly support this referendum because we understand firsthand the critical impact it will have on our ability to serve the community. Approving this measure is not just about adding staff; it is about strengthening every aspect of emergency response in Somers.

Your “Yes” vote will help ensure faster, more reliable responses to fires, medical emergencies, and other crises. It provides the personnel needed to safely and effectively handle multiple or complex incidents, protects both our responders and the public, and allows the department to keep pace with the growing needs of our community.

This referendum is an investment in the safety, health, and well-being of every resident. By supporting it, you are helping us maintain the high standard of emergency care you expect today while preparing Somers for the challenges of tomorrow. Your vote directly keeps Somers safe—your family, your neighbors, and your community.