A tax levy for the Orange Township Fire Department was overwhelming approved by voters Tuesday.

Unofficial results show 6,062 yes votes and 1,936 no votes.

The new three-year, 7-mill tax levy will replace an existing three-year, 7.5-mill levy passed in 2013. The amount collected from property tax owners for the fire department will decrease slightly.

“The current 7.5-mill levy costs a $100,000 homeowner $223.27 annually,” said Shari Baker, director of tax administration and consumer services at the Delaware County Auditor’s office. “The proposed 7.0-mill levy would cost the same homeowner $207.64, a decrease of $15.63 (annually).”

Orange Township Fire Chief Matt Noble said the lower millage was sought because of a series of cutbacks the township negotiated with township firefighters. Noble said township firefighters now pay into their pensions and health insurance directly and, through attrition, a number of positions have been cut.

Noble said passage of the new levy will allow the fire department to make improvements to several pieces of equipment and replace equipment that is too old.