The third and final public hearing for the potential formation of the Argos Fire Protection Territory was held Thursday evening in the Argos Fire Department. Along with the public in attendance were members of the Argos Town Council. Green Township Trustee and Advisory Board members and Walnut Township Trustee and Advisory Board members.
After going through the same material explaining why there is a need to create a Fire Territory, what the impacts will be to property taxpayers and answering several questions the public meeting was closed. The next piece of business was time for the three taxing units: the Argos Town Council along with Green and Walnut Townships Advisory Boards to vote to adopt a Fire Protection Territory.
The Argos Town Board was first to vote. The motion was made to adopt the ordinance creating an Argos Fire Territory. Only four of the five members of the board were at the meeting and the vote was three in favor of the Fire Territory and one abstention – George Null who is a member of the Argos Fire Department. The Town Council also approved by the same the yes votes and one abstention to create a fire equipment and replacement fund. The Argos Town Council supported the Fire Protection Territory.
Next to vote was the Walnut Township Advisory Board. Two of the members were at the meeting and one was online. The motion was made to pass a resolution to join the Argos Fire Protection Territory. The vote was two yes votes and one abstention because the member is on the Argos EMS. They also voted two yes votes and one abstention to create a fire equipment and replacement fund. The Walnut Township Board supported the Fire Protection Territory.
The final vote was for the Green Township Advisory Board. While the makeup of all advisory boards in Indiana is three members, the Green Township board has two members. James Fishburn motioned to pass a resolution to join the Argos Fire Protection Territory and Dean Zechiel second the motion. When they voted, Fishburn voted yes and Zechiel voted no. At that point the council from the State Township Association said it was a “stalemate” and the Argos Fire Protection Territory died.
The process had to be completed by April 1st to be in place for 2022. The three units of government will now have to consider other options to provide 24/7 EMS coverage for their residents. They can try and create a Fire Protection Territory next year.
