As promised, the County Council held a work session to discuss the financial logistics of establishing a Public Safety and Fire Fighters Local Income Tax (LIT), forming a subcommittee, new county funds formed, and industrial solar on Wednesday, July 3.
Though it was not a joint work session, Commissioner Stan Klotz was present along with all members of the County Council. Attorney Marcel Lebbin and Financial Consultant Steve Dalton were also present.
Vice President Tim Harman opened the discussion of the formation of the subcommittee with the intention of officially establishing that committee during the Thursday, July 11 regular Council meeting.
President Jesse Bohannon stated the subcommittee meetings should be during the day to avoid burdening county officials and staff with additional evening meetings.
Three Council members including Bohannon, Harman and Councilwoman Nicole Cox, Commissioner Klotz, John Grolich – President of Marshall County Firefighters Association, Jerry Lamb representing Polk Township. Ed Barcus representing Walnut Green Fire Territory, and a few other individuals were discussed for serving on the subcommittee. The Council hoped that Bourbon Clerk-Treasurer Kim Berger might be willing to serve on the subcommittee as well. The Council wants geographical diversity and skill set diversity represented on this subcommittee for comprehensive coverage of each from safety to financial.
Bohannon also stated that he would not be interested in making changes to the LIT until the current LIT and jail bond is resolved.
Councilman Will Patterson mentioned the possible expectation county wide Fire and EMS consolidation which has pros and cons. Cox expressed concerns regarding tax increases and the impact on farmers.
Bohannon asked Klotz about the Commissioner Report due to the State on equipment needed; Klotz answered that report is due on July 15 but some reports from municipalities are still pending submission.
Harman requested that the subcommittee establish three recommendations for the Council to consider; depending on the options including potential inter-local agreements might require Commissioner involvement and collaboration.
Klotz mentioned that Plymouth was considering a fire territory – a follow-up to the City of Plymouth confirmed that Plymouth is not moving forward with a Fire Territory.
Patterson summarized that implementing a LIT might result in forced consolidation by the State. Not implementing a LIT might limit funding avenues to meet the financial needs of Fire and EMS. After review the Council will ultimately have to determine which option is best for Marshall County. He added that there might be a way to fund needs without implementing any tax.
Bohannon said that the first step should be input from the local units to clarify what they would do with the funding they are requesting which helps the Council identify the most urgent needs and what funding system would best meet those needs.
Dalton advised the Council that one of their critical budget concerns is 911 Central Dispatch.
Bohannon added that Development Commissions can use Tax Incremental Finance (TIF) funds to support public safety. In recent training sessions it has been recommended that TIF funds not be used for salaries but for equipment and trainings which are specific costs and do not need sustained by the TIF long term. Dalton added that there are locations that do not have Redevelopment Commissions they can rely on for that funding; which are likely the areas that have the most need for funding.
Bohannon added that if those TIF districts didn’t exist the County would be getting a share of that.
Bohannon also suggested that perhaps the Council could create a fund to help departments cover the cost of training volunteers. Cox added that same fund could be used for equipment. Line items already exist for supporting certain non-profits and other entities; the Council discussed adding a line item for public safety support.
Councilwoman Deb Johnson added that expenses might increase with the need for Solar or Battery Energy System Storage (BESS) training.
Klotz asked the Council to consider all options; not just financing. Bohannon added that municipalities need to be using their funding efficiently in their existing budgets to meet these needs as well; noting that perhaps the Council can provide guidance on better utilizing funds.
Councilman Jim Masterson added the need to create an effective funding mechanism for distribution to ensure that those entities with the greatest need have their needs met.
After the discussion concluded regarding the Public Safety issue, Bohannon addressed the new County Funds formed for Legal and Advertising for the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) and Planning Commission. Bohannon informed the Council that Plan Director Ty Adley has made several requests for funding which have been straight forward and have been approved without delay. He did deny the request for legal counsel at the Plan Commission meeting on Thursday, June 27. Bohannon assumed that the money was found elsewhere because the attorney was in attendance. He indicated he was pleased with the Plan Commission’s direction to refer the Battery Energy Storage System ordinance to a subcommittee which will include an appointment by the Council. Bohannon recommended Johnson be approved during this week’s regular Council meeting. Adley will be soliciting applications from members of the public to appoint two pro-battery representatives and two skeptical of battery representatives as well as a firefighter, someone who is involved in the electric power industry and an appointment by the Commissioners.
On Industrial Solar, Harman asked Klotz where the County stands on the Decommissioning Agreement. Klotz reported that nothing has been brought to the Commissioners for consideration at this time.
No official action can be taken during a Work Session. Any official action taken on this discussion will be made during the regular Council meeting on Thursday, July 11 at 6 p.m.
