An Argos Fire Protection Territory failed after one of the three entities allowed to vote on the measure reached a stalemate Thursday night during the last of three public hearings on the matter.
The formation of a Fire Protection Territory would raise money through an increase in property taxes to help pay full-time EMTs and pay for necessary equipment for the EMS and the Argos Fire Department. The fire service would remain a volunteer service.
Officials have previously expressed the need to form the territory as funding for these public safety entities is becoming harder to budget due to the maximum levy. It was said during three public hearings that the only way to raise the funds would be through a Fire Territory.
During two of the three public hearings, several farmers have brought up the unfairness in the way the taxes affect them the most, which is done through net assessed valuation. As explained by Baker Tilly officials, residents who live in the unincorporated areas in Green and Walnut Townships would pay the most in the increase in property taxes.
As the statute indicates, the quorum members of the Argos Town Council, Walnut Township Board and Green Township Board must have a majority vote within each entity to be able to form the Fire Protection Territory. The town council members approved an ordinance allow the formation of the territory, an interlocal agreement and to set up an equipment replacement fund. They also approved an ordinance that would establish the Fire Protection Territory Equipment and Replacement Fund. The votes were 3-1 with Charles Randy Snead, Erica Partin and Shawn Harley voting in favor of the ordinances. George Null abstained as he is a firefighter.
Walnut Township Board members voted 2-1, but by majority, to approve a resolution to join the fire protection territory, an interlocal agreement, and the Equipment Replacement Fund and another resolution to establish the Fire Protection Territory Equipment and Replacement Fund. David Stults and Ken Dowdle voted in favor of the measures while Joe Stone abstained as he works with Argos EMS.
When the vote came to the Green Township Board members, there are only two township board members where Jim Fishburn voted for the ordinance and Dean Zechiel voted against the ordinance. At that point, the Argos Fire Protection Territory failed as it did not pass with a majority vote.
The window to approve the formation of an Argos Fire Protection Territory for 2021 closes April 1, but it could come up for another vote next year. Until then, township and town officials will need to find funds to continue funding the EMS service and fire department equipment.
