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For that reason they're proposing a $40 special assessment per residential dwelling for the purpose of startup and operational costs for a medical first responder program.

After being approached by Fire Chief Tom Knaggs on the possibility of looking into the program, the township board of trustees surveyed residents on their response.

Approximately 47 percent were in favor of the program while 38 were opposed and 15 undecided.

"Since it was so close on the survey we wanted to give the people a vote," said township Supervisor Kevin Daley.

Because of Arcadia's location, the average ambulance response time is 15-16 minutes, and could be as high as 20-25 minutes, he added.

"First responders would be people strategically placed throughout the township trained in basic medical and able to respond within five or six minutes," Daley said. "It is a proven fact that in Hadley Township, who we are patterning this after, they have saved at least one or two lives a year since they started the program."

The assessment would allow for the purchase of equipment including four defibrillators, which can be life savers in the event of a heart attack.

It would also provide for a one bay addition on to the current fire hall, as the medical first responder equipment would be housed at the old fire hall. It is currently used for overflow fire department equipment.

The assessment would generate $57,750 per year for seven years, beginning July 1, 2006 and running through the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013.