The passage of the Putnam Emergency Services Levy came as a relief for Teays Valley Fire Chief John Smoot, who had to cut service to 12 hours after the levy failed in 2022. Eyewitness News talked with Smoot, who said he’s grateful for the resources. This time around, it was proposed that the funding only go to the fire departments instead of fire and EMS to cut down on confusion. On Tuesday, 67% voted in favor of the $2.5 million levy. With the funding, the fire board plans to hire eight to 10 firefighters to help staff departments on rotation. Smoot said his goal is to eventually return to 24-hour service. The levy will go into effect next fall and it is set to last five years. It will be up on the ballot again in four years for renewal.