(ANGOLA) - A proposed plan to create a joint fire territory between the City of Angola and Pleasant Township drew sharp criticism during a packed second public hearing, with many residents warning of steep tax increases and questioning whether the expanded service is necessary.
If approved, the plan would replace the township's long-standing contract -- under which Pleasant Township pays the City of Angola for fire protection -- with a formal interlocal agreement creating a single fire territory governed by both entities.
Officials say the change is needed to modernize services and address funding challenges. Many residents say it would saddle township taxpayers with disproportionate costs.
What the proposal would do
Consultant Jeff Bellamy, who is assisting with the process, said a fire territory is not a new government unit but a voluntary partnership allowed under Indiana law.
Unlike a fire district, a territory can be amended or dissolved by its members. If adopted, the joint department would be overseen by a board with equal representation from the city and township.
The proposal requires three public meetings. A final decision could come as early as March 23.
Officials cite funding pressures, rising demand
Angola Fire Chief Bill Harter said discussions about expanding service date back nearly two decades but accelerated recently due to expected funding shortfalls tied to state tax changes and rising costs.
He said call volumes are increasing while volunteer staffing is declining.
- 2025 incidents: 1,756
- 2024 incidents: 1,589
- 2023 incidents: 1,733
More concerning, he said, is the growing number of overlapping calls -- situations where crews are already on one emergency when another occurs.
"That can delay response," Harter said. "We want the ability to handle multiple calls at once."
The proposal includes staffing a second station at the Pleasant Township building by 2029, which Harter said could dramatically reduce response times in outlying areas.
Travel time to some township locations could drop from 13-14 minutes to as little as five to nine minutes, he said.
Faster response times are critical for fires, cardiac emergencies, hazardous incidents, and serious crashes.
Insurance savings possible for some homeowners
An insurance representative told attendees that adding a station could lower premiums for properties within five road miles of a fire department.
However, some residents noted most township homes already fall within that range of the existing station.
Taxes emerge as biggest flashpoint
A financial analysis presented at the hearing shows starkly different impacts for city and township property owners.
- City of Angola: roughly a 1% increase
- Pleasant Township: roughly a 20% increase
On a home valued at about $292,000:
- City homeowner: about $25 more per year
- Township homeowner: about $264 more per year
Higher-value township properties could see increases exceeding $300 annually.
Consultants said the difference stems from current tax structures -- not service usage -- because funding is based on assessed property value rather than number of calls.
Residents question fairness
Many speakers argued township taxpayers would shoulder too much of the cost despite accounting for a minority of emergency runs.
"Pleasant Township is paying far more while using far less," one resident said, citing roughly 300 township calls compared with more than 1,200 in the city.
Others said nonprofits such as Trine University and Cameron Hospital -- which do not pay property taxes -- benefit from fire protection without contributing financially.
Several speakers also raised concerns about governance, noting township residents cannot vote in city elections even though the city would remain the administrative "provider unit" for the territory.
Calls to delay the decision
Multiple residents urged officials to postpone the plan, arguing that:
- The current service contract runs through 2030
- State funding policies could change
- Other revenue options should be explored
- More public input is needed
Former Pleasant Township trustee Craig Rice said Pleasant Township has historically maintained a low tax rate while receiving reliable service under the contract.
"There is no reason to rush this," Rice said. "Let's wait."
Some residents suggested creating the township's own department or charging service fees to large nonprofit institutions instead.
Officials defend need for long-term planning
Supporters say the territory would improve safety, provide stable funding, and ensure the department can meet future demand -- especially during peak tourism months when the county's population surges.
The plan includes hiring additional firefighters, upgrading equipment, and eventually operating two staffed stations to reduce delays during simultaneous emergencies.
Trustee Lesley Hall emphasized that township officials would retain representation on the governing board and that the territory would apply only within Pleasant Township boundaries.
What happens next
One public hearing remains before a final vote.
- Third hearing: March 10 at 4pm. This will be the last meeting for public comment or questions
- Final decision meeting: March 23.
Both the Angola City Council and Pleasant Township board must approve the agreement for the territory to move forward. If either rejects it, the proposal dies.
For now, the debate shows no signs of cooling as residents weigh improved emergency coverage against the cost of achieving it.