Introduction of Resolution to Merge
The
Perry Township Board met Tuesday evening February 10th and agreed to
introduce the resolution to merge the Perry Township Fire Department
(PTFD) with the Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD). This decision
comes after several months of negotiations. The primary focus for
Perry Township has consisted of three points. 1) There must be a
positive financial outcome for the taxpayer with the merger. 2)
There must be protection for PTFD firefighters, such as retaining
stations, guaranteeing firefighters will not be eliminated or
equipment moved at least through 2010. 3) Services provided to the
community must be at the same or better than what is currently being
provided. As each speaker introduced their facts supporting
consolidation, they confirmed that all three points were being met.
From the financial standpoint, according to Gary Coons Perry
Township Trustee, who has been in collaboration with the City
Controller, it is estimated that the 2010 fire tax rate would be
approximately 5.4 cents less than the tax rate that Perry Township
would have to impose to supply the same fire protection to the same
area. This rate provides approximately a 20% savings in fire
protection property tax for Perry Township taxpayers. In addition to
this savings, the merger would also eliminate the double taxation
issues that have been previously discussed. Double taxation comes in
the form of public safety income tax which is paid by both the
Perry taxpayers and Perry Firefighters. State law only allows cities
to collect and use these funds. Townships, like Perry, do not
receive any benefits. Also, with Perry taxpayers property tax, each
taxpayer pays into a Cumulative Capital Development Fund. Two
million dollars collected for this fund from Marion county is used
within IFD. Trustee Coons has been educating people on this for the
past two years.
More than fifty people were in attendance to listen to the
presentation and add their perspective. Some designated speakers
included Brian Bosma, council for the Board, Jeff Peters, financial
advisor to the Board, Dave Reynolds, city finance officer and Scott
Newman, Public Safety Director. As each member spoke, they offered
further support of the consolidation efforts. Public Safety Director
Scott Newman said, “The merger is a move that is proactive in our
changing economy. While Perry Township is not in debt or concerned
about cutbacks now, with the caps on property taxes these issues
could be a reality. Perry is stepping up to make some positive
changes for the community and its employees
Chief Robert Zickler also confirmed, “By combining resources, the
fire department will act as a single entity. There will be one set
standard of operational guidelines and an opportunity for specialty
team training and rescue training programs. This will increase the
confidence and efficiency of the one fire department.” Chief Brian
Sanford of IFD added, “Our combined fire department will continue to
provide a high level of response readiness and emergency medical
rescue services. Research on this merger has been underway for more
than six months at PTFD. The experiences learned from the Washington
and Warren Township mergers have provided a learning curve so we
avoid the same mistakes as we move forward.” A vote could come as
early as 30 days from now, but the final merge will be several
months in the future.
Contact Information
Perry Township Fire Department 4925 Shelby Street, Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN 46227
(317) 788-4813
Website Administrator
jjohnson-stevens@perrytownship-in.gov |