Support the Millage Renewal
Keep Northern Michigan Safe – Fund essential equipment, training, and 24/7 protection for our year-round community.
Official Ballot Proposal
RFC Fire & Rescue is asking voters in Readmond, Friendship, and Cross Village Townships to support the millage renewal on August 4, 2026. This renewal is critical to maintaining reliable fire protection and first response rescue services for our community.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an Election will be held in the Townships of Cross Village, Friendship and Readmond, Emmet County, Michigan for the North Emmet Emergency Services Authority on Tuesday, August 4, 2025 for the purpose of voting on the following proposal:
NORTH EMMET EMERGENCY
SERVICES AUTHORITY PROPOSAL
RENEWAL AND INCREASE OF FIRE AND
FIRST RESPONSE RESCUE SERVICES
FOR CROSS VILLAGE, FRIENDSHIP
AND READMOND TOWNSHIPS
Shall the North Emmet Emergency Services Authority levy up to 1.500 mill ($1.50 on each $1,000.00) of the taxable valuation on all real and personal property in the Authority’s District, which includes all of the Townships of Cross Village, Friendship and Readmond, pursuant to Section 12, Act 57 of the Public Acts of 1988, for eight (8) years, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032, 2033 AND 2034, for the purpose of providing fire protection and first response rescue service, to purchase equipment, and for the housing of such equipment? The estimate of the revenue the Authority will collect if the millage is approved and levied in 2027 is approximately $310,000 from local property taxes authorized herein.
This is the exact language that will appear on the ballot on August 4, 2026.
Join the RFC Millage Leadership Team
The North Emmet Emergency Services Authority (NEESA) contracts with RFC to provide fire protection and first response rescue services for Readmond, Friendship, and Cross Village Townships (collectively, the Townships). NEESA has proposed a ballot proposal to approve a levy of up to 1.500 mills ($1.50 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) on all real and personal property in the Townships (the “RFC Millage Proposal”).
On August 4, 2026, voters in Readmond, Friendship, and Cross Village Townships will have the opportunity to reaffirm their support for RFC by voting YES on a new millage which will provide 1.5 Mils of funding over the next eight years.
The RFC Millage Leadership Team is being formed, and we want to invite you to join! The Leadership Team will have four primary responsibilities:
- Signal your support of the millage by allowing RFC’s Board of Directors to list your name in mailings and advertisements to promote voting yes on the millage.
- Place a yard sign on your property reminding voters to vote yes on August 4.
- Be an advocate among your friends and family to vote for the millage.
- Vote yes on the millage!
Join the RFC Millage Leadership Team
Yes, I/we will join the RFC Millage Leadership Team. This is how I/we would like my/our name listed in any mailings or publications*
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We will keep Leadership Team members updated as election day draws nearer.
How You Can Help Right Now
Add Your Name as a Supporter
Show your support publicly by adding your name to our list of millage supporters.
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Tell Your Friends & Family
If you support RFC, please encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to vote YES on the millage.
Why Your Support Matters Right Now
RFC Fire & Rescue is an all-volunteer department proudly serving Readmond, Friendship, and Cross Village townships — 72.7 square miles of rural land, 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, and significant state-owned forest.
Our small team of 18 cross-trained volunteers has answered 1,111 calls over the last seven years, with approximately 2/3 rescue and 1/3 fire calls. We have been served by 482 volunteer fire and rescue personnel who have completed more than 282,000 hours of training.
A successful millage renewal will ensure we can continue providing the reliable, life-saving services our year-round residents depend on.
A successful millage renewal will ensure we can:
- Replace aging equipment and vehicles.
- Maintain rigorous training and certifications for our 18 cross-trained volunteers.
- Continue providing rapid fire suppression, EMS, and technical rescue services.
- Keep response times strong in our rural and seasonal community.
Where Your Tax Dollars Go
New Equipment & Vehicles
Modern gear to respond faster and safer in our rural and shoreline townships.
Ongoing Training & Certifications
Keeping our 18 cross-trained volunteers fully prepared for fire, EMS, and technical rescue calls.
Community Protection Year-Round
Safeguarding homes, businesses, and our year-round residents in Readmond, Friendship, and Cross Village townships.
Transparency & Accountability
Clear annual reporting so you know exactly how every dollar is used to serve our community.
Our Impact
Since 1980, RFC Fire & Rescue has:
Answered 1,111 calls
Been served by 482 volunteer personnel with over 282,000 hours of training
Built the main Robinson Road fire hall, established 3 stations, and 50 dry hydrants/wells
Achieved an ISO rating of “7,” which qualifies community members for discounted homeowners’ insurance
Tax Impact of the Proposed ½ Mill Increase
The chart below shows the estimated additional annual tax cost to homeowners from the proposed ½ mill increase (on top of the existing 1 mill millage).
| Taxable Value | Additional Annual Tax Cost |
|---|---|
| $50,000 | $25 |
| $100,000 | $50 |
| $150,000 | $75 |
| $200,000 | $100 |
| $300,000 | $150 |
| $400,000 | $200 |
| $500,000 | $250 |