Trustees: Fire departments must merge or face cuts

by Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)

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fire department mergers in Elkhart County

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)

Story Created: Oct 9, 2008 at 2:01 PM EST

Story Updated: Oct 9, 2008 at 4:37 PM EST

ELKHART — Funding problems in Elkhart County may mean a big change for some township fire departments.

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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.

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