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1. What is a JEDZ?

A JEDZ is a mutual agreement between the township and a city or village in which businesses and employees within the designated zone are charged an earnings tax that the municipality collects. The city or village that the township partners with for the JEDZ will collect the earnings tax and revenues collected will be allocated to the township and the partnering municipality based on a percentage outlined in the agreement.

2. Am I in the township’s Gas and Electric Aggregation Program?

The easiest way to tell if you are on the township’s gas and/or electric aggregation program is to check your billing statement. Look in the area near the amount you owe for the month. If the company Constellation (gas) or Dynergy (electric) is listed on your statement, you are in the township’s aggregation program.

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1. What is aggregation?

Under governmental aggregation, local officials bring citizens together to gain group buying power for the purchase of competitively priced electricity from a retail electric generation supplier certified by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.

2. Is everyone eligible for the program?

No, by law certain accounts are not permitted to be included in an opt-out governmental aggregation program. You are not eligible if you participate in the PIPP program, are a mercantile customer, are in arrears with bill payment, or live outside our community boundaries. Eligibility has been further limited to those with an estimated annual price to compare of at least 6.88 cents/kWh.

3. How is the township able to choose a certified electric generation supplier on my behalf?

In November 2005, Springfield Township voters approved an opt-out aggregation program authorizing the township to contract for an electric generation supplier on their behalf.

4. Who is the certified electric generation supplier?

Dynegy is our certified electric supplier. Dynegy generates reliable, environmentally responsible and affordable energy in the Midwest, Northeast and West. Through their retail electricity providers, they serve residential, municipal, business, and industrial customers in Illinois, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

5. Is my price for electric generation service fixed, or does it vary?

In this program, your price for electric generation service will be fixed at $0.0550 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) until January 2020.

6. What do I need to do if I want to be included in this governmental aggregation?

You do not need to do anything to receive the special generation pricing under this program. You may choose to be in the aggregation group and begin receiving this price by simply not returning the opt-out form.

7. Will I notice any changes in my electric service?

No. Duke will continue to deliver the electricity to your home or business, read your meter, issue you a bill, and respond to service related issues. The only change you will see is Dynegy will appear on your bill as the generation supplier.

8. What should I do if I do not want to be included in this governmental aggregation?

If you choose not to participate, you must take action to opt out. “Opt out” means that you can decide not to participate in the Township’s electric governmental aggregation program. By returning the opt-out form, which is included in this mailing, by the due date you will not be enrolled as an electric generation customer with Dynegy, the Township’s competitive electric generation supplier, and you will not receive the special pricing.

9. What happens if I do not send in the opt-out form?

If you do not return the opt-out form postmarked by the due date, you will be included in the Township’s governmental aggregation program and will begin receiving competitively priced electricity from Dynegy.

10. Can I opt out over the phone?

No, if you want to opt out, you must mail in your completed opt-out form and it must be postmarked by the due date.

11. Can I exit this program without penalty?

Yes, you can leave this program free of charge, at any time and for any reason.

12. If I am in the Township’s electric aggregation program, who will deliver my power, read my meter and respond to emergencies, such as power outages?

Your local electric company will be responsible for the delivery of power to your home or business. Because your local electric utility still owns the wires and poles that deliver power to you, it will continue to read your meter and restore power after an outage.

13. If I am in the aggregation, can I stay on budget billing?

Yes, you can remain on budget billing.

14. Can I still have my payment automatically deducted from my checking account as I do now?

Yes. How you pay your electric bill will not change.

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1. Does the Springfield Township Fire Department provide Paramedic Service?

Yes. All four units are equipped with Paramedic equipment. Each unit responds with a least two paramedics. This means that we are able to perform advance life support. 

2. If I call 911 for a medical emergency, does Springfield Township arrive with EMTs or paramedics?

The Springfield Township Fire Department runs four ambulance units. All four units are equipped with paramedic equipment and at least two paramedics who are able to treat with advanced life support.

3. What is the difference between an EMT and a Paramedic?

The biggest differences between paramedics and EMTs are the training and the scope of practice (what they are allowed to do). Basic EMTs usually receive 120-150 hours of training, while paramedics get anywhere from 1,200 hours to 1,800 hours of training. Paramedic programs often award two-year degrees.

The scope of practice differences between EMTs and paramedics can be summed up by the ability to break the skin. Most states do not allow basic emergency medical technicians to give shots or start intravenous lifelines. Paramedics, on the other hand, can give shots as well as use more advanced airway management devices to support breathing. Basic EMTs are usually restricted to using oxygen, glucose, asthma inhalers, and epinephrine auto-injectors (a common exception to the no-needles rule). Paramedics are trained in the use of 30-40 medications, depending on the state.

Not all Fire Departments staff paramedics, as their salary is higher based on the training they have received. Springfield Township staffs Paramedics and provides the highest quality of care for all emergencies.

4. Does the township offer CPR training?

The Springfield Township Fire Department can conduct CPR classes for groups of five or more people.

5. How do I report a leaking fire hydrant?

To report a leaking fire hydrant located in Springfield Township, contact the Springfield Township Fire Department at (513) 521-7578.

6. How can I tell if my smoke detector needs to be replaced?

The best way to determine if a detector needs to be replaced is by age. Remove the detector and look on the back. It will have a label with the date of manufacturing. Most detectors are good for seven years. If your detector is reaching the seven year mark or past that, it is recommend that you replace it. Power surges can also damage smoke detectors. If you have had damage by lightning, you will likely need to replace your smoke detector. Residents may contact the Springfield Township Fire Department at 522-1410 for further assistance.

7. Is open burning of brush and debris allowed in Springfield Township?

No. Per Southwest Ohio Fire Code, open burning is not permitted in residential or commercial areas.

8. Does the Springfield Township Fire Department provide citizen CPR training?

Yes, for groups of 5 or more that wish to schedule a class. Call 522-1410 to schedule a group CPR training program.

9. Why do several different Fire Departments respond to building fires?

Fire service best practice recommends 20 to 24 firefighters to respond in an active fires for safety and suppression. STFD only has 11 to 14 freighters on duty each day. Mutual aid units provide the additional manpower needed.

10. Can I drop off medical needles to the fire department for disposal?

Occasionally people will visit the fire station asking if we dispose of needles and sharps.   The fire department has a contract with a bio hazard waste removal contractor but it is for Emergency Medical Service use only and we are unable to make this available to the public. Here is the proper way to dispose of medical sharps - Place needles, syringes, lancets and auto injectors in a rigid, leak proof, puncture-resistant container like a laundry detergent bottle. Secure the lid with heavy duty tape and label the container “sharps”.  The container should then be placed in the trash.

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1. What is Springfield Township's proposed Joint Economic Development Zone (JEDZ)?

Residents of Springfield Township voted and passed an issue on the May 6, 2014 ballot to partner with the City of Mt. Healthy and create a joint economic development zone (JEDZ). The designated zone includes properties in Springfield Township where businesses are located and/or individuals work, excluding home-based businesses.

The JEDZ will enable the collection of a 1.5% payroll/earnings tax on businesses and individuals who work in the zone. As required by law, the City of Mt. Healthy must collect the tax and allocate the revenue between the Township and the City based on the percentage outlined in the agreement.

The City of Mt. Healthy provided the Township with the most advantageous partnership agreement and gives Springfield Township the best option for future long-term collaborations aimed at reducing costs and dependency on property taxes.

2. Who will pay the JEDZ earnings tax?

Only businesses and individuals who work in Springfield Township are subject to a 1.5% earnings tax.

If you do not work in Springfield Township, the JEDZ does NOT affect you and will NOT raise your taxes in any way.

Home businesses are not included in the JEDZ.

3. How will the JEDZ affect me?

If you are a resident but do not work in Springfield Township:
The JEDZ will NOT affect you and will NOT raise your taxes at all.

If you are a resident and work in Springfield Township:
You will be able to apply for and receive a grant in the form of a check, equal to the amount of the payroll tax you paid into the JEDZ.

If you operate a business out of a residence:
The JEDZ will NOT affect you and will NOT raise your taxes at all.

If you are a resident who is retired and not working:
The JEDZ will NOT affect you and will NOT raise your taxes at all.

4. What areas are included in the JEDZ?

All properties in Springfield Township that are being used for business and/or where individuals are employed are included in the JEDZ.

5. How does the JEDZ benefit Springfield Township residents?

Revenue from the JEDZ earnings tax provides the community with some of the essential funding necessary to for township services and for the implementation of economic development initiatives as outlined in the Community Master Plan.

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1. Does the township require door-to-door solicitors to register with the Police Department?

If a solicitor is collecting money for a product or service that is to be delivered at a later date, then the solicitor must register with the Police Department.

2. Does the Police Department assist citizens who have locked their keys in their cars?

Yes, contact the Police Department non-emergency telephone number at 513-729-1300 for assistance.

3. How can I provide a crime or a drug tip to an officer?

You can call 729-1300 or fill out a form online to provide anything that you think may be helpful information for the Police Department. Link to Crime Tips Online Form

4. Does the police department conduct residential vacation checks?

Yes. Contact the police department non-emergency telephone number at 513-729-1300 to schedule a vacation check.

5. During what hours can I retrieve items that are being held in the police department property room?

The property custodian is on duty Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM, excluding holidays.

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1. What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when blood (containing oxygen and nutrients) stops flowing to the brain. When this happens, it’s only a matter of minutes before brain cells start to die and permanent damage occurs. Most strokes occur because of a blocked artery. In this case, “clot-busting” medications can help blood begin flowing to the brain again. Sometimes, a stroke can be caused by bleeding in or around the brain.

2. What is a mobile stroke unit?

A mobile stroke unit is an ambulance specially designed to provide immediate care for patients who might be having a stroke. Stroke experts on the mobile stroke unit evaluate and treat patients right where they are, before ever getting to the hospital. The mobile stroke unit combines the expertise of Emergency Department staff and the fast response of an ambulance so patients can get emergency stroke care started as soon as possible. Unlike regular ambulances, the mobile stroke unit has a CT (“CAT”) scanner to diagnose a stroke, and several advanced medications to potentially treat a stroke as soon as possible.

3. What is the benefit of a mobile stroke unit?

The goal of the mobile stroke unit is to give clot-busting medications to patients having certain types of strokes safely and quickly. Millions of brain cells die every minute that blood flow is blocked, and it’s only safe to give clot-busting medications shortly after the first signs of a stroke. Around the country and around the world, patients get clot-busting medications 20–30 minutes faster in the mobile stroke unit than they do if they’re taken to the hospital first.

4. Why isn’t the mobile stroke unit leaving right away to go to the hospital?

The mobile stroke unit is like a hospital on wheels, so don’t worry if it’s staying longer than an ambulance normally would — treatment is not being delayed. Inside the mobile stroke unit, stroke experts along with nurses and paramedics are evaluating the patient, getting a CT scan and doing blood tests. If needed, clot-busting medications or other treatments are started immediately. There is no faster way to do this than right at the scene of the emergency. Once a patient begins medications, the mobile stroke unit will transport them to the hospital just like a regular ambulance.

5. Do all patients in the mobile stroke unit get clot-busting medications?

Clot-busting medications only treat strokes caused by blockages in the blood vessels to the brain. Some types of strokes are caused by bleeding in the brain, and clot-busting medications would be dangerous to give to these patients. The CT scan can help stroke experts tell the difference between a stroke caused by blockage and a stroke caused by bleeding. Even if a patient has a blockage, it may not be safe to give them the clot-busting medication if there’s a high chance it can cause bleeding. This may include patients on blood thinners or patients whose stroke symptoms started too long ago. If the patient can’t get the clot-busting medication, the mobile stroke unit staff can deliver skilled neurological care on the way to the hospital. This may include giving special medications not kept on a regular ambulance

6. The mobile stroke unit is operated by UC Health. Does that mean all patients are taken to a UC Health hospital?

No. The mobile stroke unit staff will take the patient to the closest, most appropriate stroke center, which may not be a UC Health hospital. The mobile stroke unit staff will be in contact with the hospital as they are driving there, so the hospital will know what care was given on scene. This communication allows for a smooth transition of care, no matter where the patient is transported.

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1. What Do You Do If You Spot A Coyote in Your Neighborhood.

Ohio wildlife biologists are frequently contacted by concerned residents who spot coyotes in highly developed areas. This is often not cause for alarm. Coyotes are highly adaptable animals that live in a wide variety of environments thus there is no need to report sightings to wildlife officials unless the animal appears hurt, sick, or habituated. Here are a few steps to keep in mind when you encounter an urban coyote in your area.

1. Understand that coyotes are common throughout Ohio’s 88 counties and are regularly seen within developed areas. Read more about coyotes at the Department of Natural Resources at http://ohiodnr.gov/. (Use the search window)

2. There are no wolves living in the wild in Ohio.

3. If you spot a coyote on your property, make sure to remove all “attractants” to deter the coyote from returning. This includes removing garbage and pet food primarily before nightfall and cleaning up around the grill. Do not feed coyotes directly.

4. Coyotes prey primarily on small mammals such as rabbits and rodents. However, interactions with domestic pets do occur sometimes. Keep small dogs and cats inside (especially after nightfall) or leashed when outside. Motion-sensitive lighting tends to be helpful too at keeping wildlife away from your home.

5. Occasionally, an inquisitive coyote will stay put and watch you curiously. Make noise. Clap your hands and shout; the coyote will likely move on at this point. If it doesn’t, throw objects like rocks at it to scare it away. A coyote that loses its fear of humans could potentially become a threat.

6. If the coyote visiting your yard does not respond to harassment techniques such as loud noises or it is presenting a conflict even after removing attractants from your yard, contact a nuisance trapper. Nuisance trappers use highly regulated techniques to reduce urban wildlife conflicts. Coyote populations in rural areas can also be managed through legal hunting and trapping methods. Consult the yearly “Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations” digest for more information.

2. Who do I call to report flooding?

If you experience a flood and believe that it is related to storm water or sewer issues, please use this as a guide on who to call:

(To address leaky basements, cracks in the foundation of your home and water run-off issues, please contact a professional service.)

STORM WATER ISSUES:

On a county road, call the Hamilton County Engineers Office at (513) 946-8900 during regular operating hours or, outside of regular business hours, call the Hamilton County Sheriff's Department at (513) 825-2280 

On a Township road, call the Springfield Township Public Works Department at  - (513) 522-4004

SEWER BACKUP ISSUES:

Metropolitan Sewer District (513)352-4900