New rating should lower insurance rates in Boardman, officials say

Staff report

BOARDMAN

The township has improved a rating of its fire protection services that affects insurance rates for homeowners and businesses.

After an evaluation by the Insurance Services Office last month, the township now has a protection classification of four instead of five.

The ISO rates municipalities’ fire services on a scale of 1 to 10 for insurance companies. Business owners and residents should have reduced insurance premiums after the rating becomes effective June 1.

Fire Chief Mark Pitzer cites increased firefighter training, improved equipment and better communication because of a new radio system as reasons for the improved rating.

“It’s great news,” he said. “We’re hoping in the future we can potentially reduce it even further.”

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.