Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
MENTONE - The Mentone Fire Department needs a new truck.
And a new building to store the truck.
Monday, Harrison Township Trustee Jim Moyer informed the Mentone Town Council of the situation. He said the fire department wants a new fire truck next year. A manufacturer has given a figure for a truck, but it's not a bid.
According to the 40-year agreement, which expires next year, Mentone is responsible for 32 percent of the cost, Harrison Township 32 percent, Franklin Township 20 percent and New Castle Township 16 percent. However, New Castle can't make their 16 percent as they have borrowed the maximum amount of money they can borrow, Moyer said. They may be able to come up with $2,000 to $4,000 more if they have more time. If Harrison and Franklin townships and Mentone increase their contributions 1 percent, Moyer said, that would cover the cost of a new fire truck and lower New Castle's cost.
"One percent, I believe, is a small amount," said Moyer.
To keep moving on the fire truck, Moyer said, they have to have an answer soon. They are at a point where the firemen need to know. "So close to these numbers, are we locked into these percentages?"
If New Castle can't afford their share of the truck, said councilman Mark Hughes, how are they going to afford their share of a new building?
The fire truck the fire department wants to replace is 34 years old.
Hughes said if they get a truck, they have to have a building to put it in.
Moyer asked if it was within the town's budget to increase their share 1 percent. Clerk-treasurer Barbara Ross said the town would have to come up with another $20,000 in 2005.
The council voted to proceed with the purchase of a new fire truck.
As for the new building to house the fire department, ambulance, police department and town hall, Moyer said it all comes down to money - who is going to pay for what and how much. The land is owned by the town.
Harrison Township has $40,000 to $50,000 saved that could be forwarded to the building project for use next year. Does the town have funds available for a building project to begin next year?
Ross said they have approximately $55,000 in Economic Development Income Tax funds that could be used.
Moyer said a lot of issues need to be brought up and discussed before the project goes ahead. The contracts between the townships and town need to be re-examined.
Councilman Tim Croy said that with the $55,000 the town has and the money Harrison Township has, he didn't see a problem with getting the project started.
"I think there's a lot of issues that need to be worked out," Hughes said.
Moyer said in about two weeks, he will call a meeting between the boards to discuss the projects. Once other groups see Harrison Township's and Mentone's commitment to the project, he said, they will "come forward" and get on board with the project.
