The Marshall County Council established a Public Safety Subcommittee during their July meeting.
In response to a request made by President of the Marshall County Fire Association John Grolich for the County to consider a public safety tax and a request by Culver Union Township Trustee Marlene Mahler, the Council agreed to establish a Public Safety Committee to review the issues, costs, needs, and potential funding solutions for municipalities in Marshall County.
President Jesse Bohannon made a motion to approve the following individuals to the subcommittee: Grolich to represent the Firefighters Association, Commissioner Stan Klotz, Council Vice President Tim Harman, Councilwoman Nicole Cox, Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Jack Garner to serve as Secretary, Polk Township Trustee Jerry Lamb, Bremen Fire Chief Matt Neher, Argos Clerk-Treasurer Lisa Mullaney, Ed Barcus from Argos Town Council who also has experience as a Firefighter, and himself – President of the Council.
Councilman Jim Masterson asked why Bourbon wasn’t represented. He agreed that the individuals recommended for the subcommittee were excellent choices, but did express concern that Bourbon had no representation while other communities had at least one or more.
The Council approved Bohannon’s motion. Meeting dates, time and location will be determined.
Member of Argos Town Council, Bob Byers, submitted a letter for the Council to consider as they consider the public safety tax.
Councilman Will Patterson read the letter out loud during the Public Input portion of the meeting.
“Council,
My name is Bob Byers, member of the Argos Town Council, my thoughts tonight are not necessarily an official view of the Town Council but many share the same personal feelings. I also apologize as to not being able to be here due to family obligations revolving around the County Fair.
I believe 100% that public safety should be the top priority when it comes to funding. It’s the single most important resource of any community. That said I’m 100% opposed to raising taxes unless absolutely necessary and I don’t feel you guys are at that point.
Town of Argos, Walnut and Green Townships found themselves in a very grave situation several years ago with manpower and a serious lack of response abilities, July of 2019 we made less than 50% of our EMS calls, also being the home of the County Fair that’s an even more dangerous situation. Then was born the Argos Fire Territory.
It’s own taxing entity serving the citizens. A complete turn around in service. For more than six months this last year we Mae EVERY EMS call and with only one ambulance while also covering calls for neighboring entities.
My point is Argos Indiana and the citizens served by our fire territory SOLVED our financial problems. Are we in perfect shape? No. But we’re doing fine. That said I also don’t believe the financial burden of funding other neighboring towns should be the responsibility of my tax payers as again, Argos solved its problem.
Before we hear anyone claim fire departments need a LIT tax I ask you (to) investigate heavily into how their budgets are spent. Some will claim you as a council are overreaching but they came to you for the tax then in my opinion you can have every right to oversee their current budget / spending before a decision is made.
Lastly, before we consider raising taxes, let’s talk TIF DISTRICTS. TIF Districts don’t pay into schools, libraries and public safety. Maybe just maybe its time they pay into it and we wouldn’t have the need for the garbage of increasing taxes. Just remember, government doesn’t need more money, government needs to responsibly allocate the funds they have. We don’t have a money problem, we have a spending / allocation problem.
Respectfully yours,
Marshall County Taxpayer and proud Argos Town Councilman,
Robert D. Byers.”
