The City of Angola is taking significant steps to address the funding disparities in fire protection services during its recent Common Council meeting. Council members expressed concerns over the current contracts with surrounding townships, particularly York Township, which pays only $6,000 for fire protection services despite the city’s annual fire department budget of $2.5 million. This inequity has led to a call for a reevaluation of how fire protection is funded and distributed among the townships.

Councilman expressed frustration over the long-standing issue of subsidizing fire protection for townships that contribute far less than their fair share. He highlighted that the current funding model is unsustainable and unfair to city taxpayers, who are effectively covering the shortfall. The councilman emphasized the need for a more equitable system, suggesting that York Township should contribute approximately $64,000 based on its net assessed value, rather than the current $6,000.

The discussion also touched on the necessity of a professional fire department, which is better equipped to handle emergencies compared to volunteer departments. The council is considering a proposal to engage in discussions with township officials to create a more balanced funding structure for fire services, potentially leading to the establishment of a county-wide fire department.

In addition to fire protection funding, the council approved several engineering contracts for infrastructure projects, including the rehabilitation of water towers and technical assistance for the redevelopment commission. These initiatives are part of ongoing efforts to improve city services and infrastructure.

As the council moves forward, they are committed to ensuring that all residents, regardless of their township, contribute fairly to the fire protection services they receive. The next steps will involve further discussions with township officials and a thorough review of the current contracts to establish a more sustainable and equitable funding model for fire protection in Angola.