(PLEASANT TOWNSHIP) -- Dozens of residents turned out Thursday afternoon for the first public hearing on a proposal to create a joint fire territory between the City of Angola and Pleasant Township, a move officials say is needed to stabilize funding and improve emergency response.
The meeting at the Pleasant Township Trustee Building was the first of three sessions for public input before a final vote expected in March.
Officials said the plan would combine fire protection under a single governing board and tax rate, replacing the current contract in which the city provides service to the township. Supporters say the change would allow for more stable funding, additional staffing and a possible second fire station in the township, reducing response times to rural areas.
Angola Fire Chief Bill Harter said call volumes and simultaneous emergencies have increased, stretching current staffing. He said the proposal could allow the department to hire additional firefighters and eventually open a second station at the township building.
Financial advisers said the change would take effect in 2027 if approved.
Estimates presented at the hearing showed modest tax increases for city residents but significantly larger increases for township property owners, reflecting the township's lower current fire tax rate.
Trustee Les Hall said the township is facing a major funding shortfall due to state property tax changes and warned current service levels may not be sustainable without a new funding structure.
Public comments focused heavily on taxes, oversight and whether residents should vote directly on the proposal. Some speakers questioned why township residents would see larger increases and whether the plan would commit taxpayers to long-term costs.
Others voiced support, citing the value of faster emergency response and improved fire protection.
Officials emphasized no decision has been made and encouraged residents to continue submitting questions and attending future meetings.
Additional hearings are scheduled for Feb. 24 and March 10, with a final joint meeting set for March 23, when city and township leaders could vote on whether to establish the fire territory.