Trustees: Fire departments must merge or face cutsby Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)
Some township trustees in Elkhart County say Baugo, Cleveland, Concord, and Osolo fire departments must merge into one fire territory or face cuts due to budget shortfalls. (WSBT photo) ELKHART — Funding problems in Elkhart County may mean a big change for some township fire departments. Multimedia Related Content
Some township trustees have given the green light for merging four township departments into one unified fire territory. "They're forcing us into a corner," said Osolo Township Trustee Ben Russo. After much discussion, some township trustees say a merger has to happen. They want to consolidate Baugo, Cleveland, Concord, and Osolo fire departments into one fire territory. "It’s to the point now where you either cut services or we merge to be able to provide the services," said Concord Township Trustee Deb Stoffer. "We're all facing financial shortfalls — the school systems as well and the libraries," added Cleveland Township Trustee Kathy Gordon. The fire departments still haven't received the state funding for 2008 property taxes and some are still trying to get emergency loans to stay in operation. “My fire department right now, we've got a loan for $800,000 we're trying to get from the state,” Russo said. “If we don't get it we're going to have to go back to having one man at the fire station or go back to volunteer.” Affected departments previously raised concerns when this option was first presented — everything from wages, to compensation, to equipment compatibility, to radio frequencies. “The problem is going to be coming up with the money," Stoffer explained. "The state wants you to do this; however they are not providing any kind of technical assistance as far as how to actually put everything together to make a merge happen. So we're going to have to come up with some funds somewhere." Some of the fire departments were against the merger. Osolo Township said it will need a lot of convincing before it’s sold on the idea. A public meeting will be held Tuesday night, October 14, at the Concord Fire Station No. 1 to discuss the issue. Thursday, Oct 16 at 10:27 AM Osolo Resident wrote ...Most of what I am seeing on here is rediculus. It seems to me this is more Osolo people complaining than anything. You guys down there need to grow up and learn to play nice with everyone or look for new jobs. This is stupid. I say someone should take you guys over and then and only then will may'be some short of change come from you guys Tuesday, Oct 14 at 7:02 AM Osolo EMT wrote ...I think the merger should ONLY be done as a last resort! It is very unfair because our department takes great pride in staying in budget and works really hart in doing so. I think the it is the responsability of the individual departments to take cuts if they are over spending, and not punish every department! Monday, Oct 13 at 7:08 PM Elk Co. EMT/FF wrote ...This problem can't be solved with a simple merger as some would attempt to lead you to believe. It is important that we all realize that somethings have to be cut, and it is not one department's fault or anothers. It is a problem we are in together and it is something that we must all work together to solve. While some departments decided to live beyond their means and others did not it is not their responsibility to bail them out, it is a problem they as a community must try to solve first. Sunday, Oct 12 at 1:55 PM Jefferson Township citizen wrote ...4 minute response time from city but not from a vol service? Please check records! I had to call JMS out and they were at my house in less than 5, some in 2-3. These were vol guys and my house probably would have been in major flames without them! Why is it other states don't have all the issues with EMS etc that we seem to have here? You all made an incredible decision when you took on the job to help people! Why has everyone forgot that and only concern is $$? It's all about politics.... Saturday, Oct 11 at 6:04 PM Elk Co Paramedic wrote ...Well put, Dan, well put! It's funny cuz the concord trustee who seems to have such a heart for her three chiefs and dpt... would sell them out in a second if she could. She's said so to other trustees. HELLO! No loyalty whatsoever... afterall didn't she hire the chief they had to fire!? GOOD GRIEF! This is going to COST tax payers money... WAKE UP PEOPLE! Saturday, Oct 11 at 3:19 PM Dan Elk Co. FF/EMT wrote ...Claycord, err I mean Concord chose to spend beyond it's means, and now (in true Elkhart-like form) they want three other departments to help absorb their tremendous debt. Three out of the four departments can play nice in the sandbox, but all three want nothing to do with the fourth. Maybe if their three chiefs wouldn't be in cahoots with the trustees and would stand with their brother firefighters things could be worked out. But again, this merger saves no money for the taxpayers or depts.!! Saturday, Oct 11 at 9:54 AM St. Joe County Firefighter wrote ...I think the merge would be a great idea if all four departments can play nice in the sandbox, within Elkhart Co., as well as St. Joe Co. Another problem is if everyone would decide what they need as a group and buy the same equipment, or consolidate apparatus and only run what you need. For Concord's sake if they wouldn't of buried themselves six feet under with two new stations, two new ambulances and a new rescue pumper, they wouldn't be so bad off. I mean why couldn't you spaced that out. Saturday, Oct 11 at 8:04 AM Danny- Elk Co. FF/ 1st Responder wrote ...Mr.Anonymous 1 and Mr. Wesley before you go spouting off comments on people and fire departments, you need to go to them and get their side of what is going on. All of the fire departments are manned 24/7 and are combination departments. All firefighters in Elkhart County have to take the same mandated classes by the State of Indiana, I am tired of people slamming the volunteers as if they are a bunch of dumb hicks, they are as well trained as any firefighter in the State of Indiana. Saturday, Oct 11 at 12:19 AM Elk Co FF/Paramedic wrote ..."the great" holding on to tax dollars so he can say he has a surplus of money... it's because he won't pay us the money that is DUE for the time we've already FULFILLED our contracts. And, you're kidding yourself if you think you won't be waiting a LONG time for an ambulance if Elkhart City takes it... you're DEAD wrong! We're not just dumb little volunteer stations... where do you think Elkhart City Fire's employees all got their start! Let's state the facts here shall we?! Saturday, Oct 11 at 12:10 AM Elk Co FF/Paramedic wrote ...I love how the gov't comes in gives a few ideas to show they are "working" on something & ppl run screaming for cover. Here's the facts... first off all slamming Jerry who is NOT my boss, is uncalled for Wesley! Your hx proceeds you, in the fact you were caused "issues" when you were on them. Secondly, why should the few dpts that are getting by be put with the next 2 dpts that have NONE... then you have a giant dpt with NOTHING. Makes sense? ALL the staffing would have to be crosstrained... Friday, Oct 10 at 5:10 PM roy wrote ...Why do you think the city and townships are going to merge? Besides the city tried to do that a year ago and the townships wouldnt go near them cause the city is in worse shape than they are. Friday, Oct 10 at 4:05 PM Anonymous1 wrote ...Yes many of the city firefighters are as stuborn as the vols. Thats why both sides need to work together to do whatever is in the best interest of the citizens. If these four townships make a territory, then they are going to have to drive RIGHT through the city to get to a fire on the other side of the territory. How unethical is it to drive past four Elkhart fire stations when there is a family trapped inside a burning building? Friday, Oct 10 at 3:55 PM Anonymous1: What Elkhart City has to bring to the table wrote ...Elkhart has paid ff's with a 4 minute response, instead of a 4 minute response with 2 ff's in 2 apparatus and then having 20 pick-up trucks with blue lights on the side of the road 10 minutes later. Elkhart brings to the table the fact that, if you stay alone, these townships are going to end up with a mile wide response area and 3 calls a week. Join a fire territory with the city, and preserve your right, duty, and most importantly the Possibility of serving your home area as a fire fighter Friday, Oct 10 at 2:40 PM John Wesley wrote ...Yes PM, I suggested years ago that Osolo, Cleveland and Harris form a joint fire district, you would have thought that I was advocating treason. That marriage would have caused some radio frequency problems not seen with in county, but they would have been easily handled. What some fail to realize is, these districts would not have problems in regards to radio frequencies or equipment to set up, all they need is a set of SOPs, and a lot less equipment. Friday, Oct 10 at 2:02 PM John Wesley wrote ...With the training demands placed on fire departments, volunteers are already bowing out in droves, not just one by one, the true volunteers, not those simply desiring to run around the township with their hair on fire running the red lights and sirens showing everyone what a hero they are, will continue, in fact if the departments were run in a more business like manner instead of the way most are run now, you would attract and keep a better caliber of volunteer. Friday, Oct 10 at 1:52 PM to john wrote ...Do you think it would work to combine townships from 2 different counties with harris being in st joe? (No sarcasm, a serious question) Friday, Oct 10 at 11:26 AM Not A Brain Surgeon wrote ...Merge and watch the VOLUNTEERS bow out one by one. Friday, Oct 10 at 10:40 AM Friend of FF's Pro/Vol's wrote ...Anonymous1, How many times has the City of Elkhart asked for a Aerial Unit from any Township Fire Depts. bacause the City's own Aerial was out of service? Sounds like you have a case of bitters their or just a super hero mentality. Most likely the latter of the two. Friday, Oct 10 at 10:38 AM John Wesley wrote ...piece of equipment that their little heart desires are gone, the days of not answering to the controlling governmental body, whether it be the township board, town or city council are gone. For years there have been fiefdoms in the Fire/EMS community, every one had to have all of the service and equipment that all of the others had, regardless of cost of quality of service, it simply costs the taxpayer too much money and can no longer be supported or tolerated. the reckoning has arrived. Friday, Oct 10 at 10:33 AM John Wesley wrote ...I was a firefight/EMT/Paramedic, with 4 differant departments over 35 years, I am now a member of a township board, the main problem with the fire department system that we now have is the attitude of each department that they must be the best and have all of the newest and greatest. putting Concord, Osolo, Cleveland and Baugo together in a district will not work, Cleveland, Osolo and Harris would. The departments are going to have to realise that the days of having every piece of 200,000 Friday, Oct 10 at 9:24 AM Tired of Government wrote ...To anonymous1: What exactly do you think Elkhart City has to bring to the table? Friday, Oct 10 at 8:59 AM Tired of Goverment wrote ...From what I've read here none of you people know what you are talking about or what the facts are. Mr. Wesley, how long were you a firefighter and why are you not one now? Get rid of the township government they obviously don't have a clue. They have known for quite awhile what the financial situation was going to be and have drug their feet until it's too late. The township departments due work together on mutual aid calls (even though there are a couple who's egos get in the way). Thursday, Oct 9 at 10:51 PM Anonymous1 wrote ...If they merged with Elkhart, they would have aerial units automatic, and not have to own apparatus that is a WASTE OF MONEY. The City of South Bend has 4 aerial sticks, that they don't even use all at once. Those 3 trucks alone would be enough for the "Elkhart County Fire Territory," let alone what Elkhart City is bringing to the table. So there Dan, there's your money saved for taxpayers. A duplication of resources IS A WASTE. And John is right, if the Trustee says jump, you jump. Thursday, Oct 9 at 10:46 PM Anonymous1 wrote ...The township doesn't own the department? Some of you county ff's are so uninformed its not even funny. Here's the questiion to Dan: Who else makes the decision other than the trustees and Elkhart city board? And consolidation does save money. Why should oslo twp. own a ladder truck they use once a year, and cleaveland have one, and baugo. It's rediculous. Those trucks are NEVER used on a structire fire. Thursday, Oct 9 at 4:42 PM John Wesley wrote ...Sorry Jerry and the other chiefs, and to the trustees, but, it is the township board that actually is responsible for the fire department, if the board says merge, consolidate, paint your trucks purple and get pink uniforms, the so be it, ask the fellows from the old Osceola department who is really calling the shots. Thursday, Oct 9 at 4:39 PM John Wesley wrote ...Yes but the townships own the departments and equipment, simply contract for the operation with the department, merging is not the answer either, fire districts with joint dispatch and the elimination of redundant equipment is, no single department can afford to keep all of the equipment needed to cover everything, and it is only going to get worse, they must start depending more on mutual aid and co-response and less on the insane need to not require any help. Thursday, Oct 9 at 4:19 PM Dan - Elk Co. FF/EMT wrote ...Here's the question to Stoffer and the rest of the trustees that decided to have this meeting without discussing this issue with any of the affected fire departments, WHERE DOES THIS PLAN SAVE ANY MONEY FOR THE TAXPAYERS? Combining the departments doesn't eliminate any of the expenses they currently have individually? Oh and by the way, the trustees alone do NOT make this decision. Most of the fire departments involved own their facilities and apparatus, not the township, so good luck! Add a comment |
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Saturday, Oct 18 at 9:24 PM The powers that be... wrote ...
Dear Osolo Township Resident: We thank you for your continued support. If you think this is all so easy then you go ahead and take the firefighter, emt, and medic classes and come join us with your BIG ideas of how things should be run instead of sitting on your behind on your cushy couch and not bothering to show up to Osolo Township Trustees meetings we have twice a year. THEN, and only then maybe you'll get it. GROW UP.