Marshall County Coroner John Grolich approached the Marshall County Council regarding a .05% tax for public safety to be used for Fire and EMS.
Previously, the Commissioners sent a non-binding recommendation of support. Grolich prefaced his request by stating he is not approaching the Council as the Coroner’s Office and expressed gratitude for the support he has in his role. He addressed HB 1454 which was passed this year that provides for the creation of a public safety tax supporting Fire and EMS.
He added that the bill was buried in a DLGF bill that is more than 250 pages. If implemented, the tax would generate over $730,000 to use for Fire and EMS in Marshall County. He noted that legislators have gradually decreased income tax across the state which would offset the public safety Local Income Tax if implemented. Technology continues to create a burden of expense for Fire and EMS; the money could also be used for a recruitment and retention program.
Councilman Tim Harman noted that the Jail Tax will expire in 2027 once the bond is paid off; the current .25% rate generates much needed revenue to fund Jail Operations. Harman recommended a review of all these fiscal issues and assess possible solutions.
Councilwoman Nicole Cox recommended that an exploratory committee be formed to make an informed decision.
Councilman Jim Masterson emphasized a need to review the current LIT, the current and continued needs at the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, and consider the additional needs of Fire and EMS noting that all are important.
President Jesse Bohannon stated he will approach Commissioner Stan Klotz to collaborate a Committee to conduct a study to identify the challenges that the departments face, to set priorities among those challenges, to create a strategic and organizational plan, identify the costs, and identify the appropriate funding and distribution mechanisms because those are the questions that need answered before taxing people. Bohannon also wants to explore any assistance that can be provided by Redevelopment Commissions.
Grolich agreed to sit on the committee. Cox and Harman agreed to participate.
On Monday, April 15th, during the Commissioners meeting, Klotz was approved to sit on the Committee.
The Council agreed that all emergency services are important to support; they want to find a way to accomplish that goal in a way that is fiscally responsible for all involved including the taxpayers.
