By Jamie Fleury, Staff Writer, The Pilot News
MARSHALL COUNTY — Culver Town Union Township Trustee Marlene Mahler expressed disappointment with the County Council for their failure to keep a promise to address the Emergency Management Services (EMS) funding crisis in Culver and throughout the County.
Mahler reminded the Council that she had appeared before them in April and she stated she spoke to President Jesse Bohannon privately before the election regarding anything that the Council could do to help with EMS services in the County. She indicated that she was told they would check in to issues and see if there was anything that could be done. “Has anything been done? Have you checked in to anything?”
Bohannon responded, “We are getting back on to that topic. Obviously the last month heading up to the election was extremely busy for everybody. But, that’s definitely on my list. Mr. Klotz (Commissioner) and I have had conversations about that. It’s definitely something that we need to get moving forward I guess. I thank you for bringing that back to public attention.”
Mahler responded, “So two months and we haven’t done anything yet is what you’re saying?”
Vice President Tim Harman interjected, “Well, in a moment – you beat us to the punch – but I was going to remind Mr. Bohannon about the commitment to form a group to look at this stuff.”
Mahler said, “That’s what you did two months ago.”
Harman said, “I definitely want to get moving on it myself.”
Bohannon said, “As you can see we’ve had a lot of other very serious topics going on this month so – “
Mahler emphasized, “And you’ve got a lot of serious topics but only one is being addressed.”
During the April meeting, Mahler informed the Council that Union Township had recently purchased 16 new radios that cost $73,000; all had been past their lifetime. She informed the Council that the Fire Department is mostly volunteer who receive minimal payment for runs and training but EMS went from volunteer to full paid paramedic service. The budget has increased almost three times the amount it was in 2018. The expenses for full paid service exceeds what can be funded through increased levy; the levy is dependent on population and Culver’s has decreased in the last 15 years. She indicated that without funding relief they will have to consider a Fire Territory. Bohannon did commit to forming a committee to address the issue and ensured that some of that representation would consist of trustees.
As previously reported in the Pilot News and Culver Citizen John Grolich had approached the Council during the April meeting regarding a .05% tax for public safety to be used for Fire and EMS. Previously the Commissioners had 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. “God knows that our Fire Departments and EMS agencies in our county need that support.” 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 a 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.
