Village leaders and Lordstown fire department officials introduced residents to an income tax levy they'll be voting come May.

Amid personnel shortages and higher call volumes, the fire department is asking for a .5% income tax levy.  

The levy would generate an estimated $1.3M, and would allow the department to hire more full-time employees, and take proactive measures in the years to come.

Travis Eastham, the Lordstown fire chief is the only full-time employee in the department. 

"It's stressful, if I'm short, I usually cover it from home.", said Eastham who explained the struggles that come with staffing shortages. 

With everyone else being part time, he says it's overwhelming just trying to fill shifts.  That's on top of trying to retain employees.

"First thing, is get some full-time people so we know that we can respond and then down the road--being able to save a little bit of money here and there to start replacing vehicles." Eastham added.

In the wake of disaster in East Palestine and being close to a battery plant, it is all the reason officials want to be well-equipped and well-staffed for anything that may arise.

"The battery plant you know we've heard of battery fires in the past...and we just want to be proactive and make sure we can do the best for our residents.", said Mayor Arno Hill.