In order to maintain an EMS Department and Fire Department for the Town of Argos, Green Township and Walnut Township, the township trustees asked the Argos Town Council to approve a request to conduct a Fire Territory Study.
Town Attorney Derek Jones explained that he spoke to an attorney in Indianapolis who specializes in Fire Territory issues and said the study can help the town determine how the town can keep the services funded.
The study would be compiled by Baker Tilly officials that would suggest if a Fire Territory would benefit all entities as there may not be the means available to adequately fund the EMS and Fire Departments. Argos Town Council member Shawn Harley commented on the issue during last week’s meeting.
“I don’t see how with our current budget – without doing something like this, we’re going to be able to keep fire or EMS. I mean, that’s just the way it is,” said Harley.
A tax increase may come into play if a Fire Territory is implemented, but it could keep both services viable in Argos. They are services that everyone needs and deserves, as stated by Town Council member Charles “Randy” Snead.
“This community and these people, the citizens of this town, deserve good protection and I feel it’s our job to make sure that they can have it,” stated Snead.
Walnut and Green Townships will pay 27 percent and 30 percent of the study respectively up to $25,000 of the cost of the study with the remainder to be paid by the town.
The Argos Town Council members voted unanimously to move forward with the study with the payment terms for the work as described.
