NORTH CANTON, Ohio — Nearly 9,500 people voted on Question 9, a property bond proposal for the construction of a $16 million consolidated fire/EMS facility in North Canton.

In the end, the bond drawdown of 1.97 over 25 years was rejected by 234 votes.

“My overall reaction is I’m disappointed,” Mayor Stephan Wilder said. “But their voices were heard and they had the opportunity to make that choice.”

The city has pushed to build a new fire station six times over the past two decades.

Before Question 9 failed, both income taxes from previous ballots had been rejected.

Fire Chief Drew Cramer said the two current fire stations are cramped and outdated. One was built in the 1950s, the other in the 1970s, and neither was intended for a full-time department, which North Canton has run for about 20 years.

Station 2 was built as a park service. Station 1 was for volunteers, not 24-hour staff,” Cramer said.

During Tuesday’s vote, the feelings of residents who spoke to News 5 after voting were mixed.

Bobby Mechling voted yes.

“I feel like the firefighters deserve it. They do so much for us,” he said.

Pam Moore voted no.

“I also think they had to find another solution. Everyone lives on a budget. They should do that too,” she said.

The city took a gamble that voters would approve the bond levy. In 2023, North Canton purchased properties along North Main Street for $1 million to house the fire station.

Some demolitions have taken place in recent months. If the measure had been approved, construction was planned to start in 2025.

When asked if the purchase could be considered a waste of money, Wilder replied: “I don’t think it’s a waste of money. It’s still a retail or commercial location first rate there.”

Wilder said the city could submit a seventh proposal for a new fire station and go back to voters or sell the property.

He added that there would be a discussion with other city administrators and council members about the possibility of putting another measure on the ballot next May.

In a letter to residents, Wilder wrote: “We are going to come together. We will reassess our funding resources. We will work to find common ground and continue to build a community you want to live in now and for future generations.

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