Public Safety Tax study committee recommends half a million for grant match program for fire & EMS

At the request of John Grolich, President of the County Fire Association, this spring, the Marshall County Commissioners passed a vote of support to look at a possible public safety tax that would assist area fire departments and emergency medical services.  The County Council’s response was to create a study committee with three members of the County Council, Commissioner Stan Klotz, and several representatives of other local units of government, including first responders.  

The study committee has examined the issue and the current county finances, which have healthy surpluses, and recommended a solution. They are also considering adjustments to the local county income tax further down the road, with an option that would not include a tax increase but could set aside some funds for first responders.

In the meantime, the County Council would like to set aside about $500,000 to create a matching grant program through which the county could pay roughly 50% of the cost for fire and EMS training and safety equipment.

Jesse Bohannon, President of the County Council, and Councilman Tim Harman told the commissioners on Monday, “The council is enthusiastic about the opportunity to provide some assistance to the first responders around the county without a tax increase.” 

Bohannon said the council’s attorney and financial advisor recommended passing the plan on to the commissioners. The commissioners would then contact units of local government to create memorandums of understanding or an interlocal agreement that would allow the council to fund the program. 

County EMA Director Jack Garner contacted area departments to ask about their top three needs and five of the nine departments listed radios.   

Commissioner Kevin Overmyer asked where the half a million would come from, and Councilman Harman said, “There’s a good surplus this year in the General Fund.  We started the year with $6.7 million. The forecast on Form 4B that was submitted a month ago actually has it at $9.7 million. With all things being equal and nothing changing, there will be a $3 million surplus added to what we have on the cash balance from 23 till the end of 24.”    

Commissioner Klotz said that some government entities can afford their share more than others, so the study committee discussed a weighted scale for requests. 

Commissioner Overmyer asked who the judge and jury would be, and Bohannon said it would be up to the commissioners. Overmyer suggested putting the funds in the Other Projects line item in the council’s budget, allowing the commissioners to sign the interlocal agreements, and letting the council administer the disbursement of funds. 

Bohannon and Harman were receptive to the recommendation.