The Monroe County Board of Commissioners voted 3-0 to approve Ordinance 2025-51, adding Bean Blossom Township to the Monroe Fire Protection District. The board moved and seconded the measure after a brief public hearing and discussion of statutory timing and governance changes.

County staff said the expansion must be completed by the end of the year for the change to take effect in 2027. "In order for this to be effective, we have to have it done by the end of the year," Mr. Cockrell told the commissioners, citing guidance he had sought from the Department of Local Government Finance.

The ordinance will add Bean Blossom Township to the district and increase the fire district board by one trustee to preserve an odd number of trustees; that additional trustee must reside within the fire protection district. Commissioners emphasized the board's limited role: tonight's vote considered only Bean Blossom, not other townships named in the public notice.

Several residents spoke against the takeover during the public comment period. Carl Salzman, a Bean Blossom resident, said residents had previously conducted a remonstrance opposing county takeover and argued that the community would not receive better service while facing higher taxes. "We do not need the Monroe County Fire Protection District to be involved," Salzman said, and asked the county to respect local preference for a contract with Ellettsville to provide services.

Jay Thrasher, a Richland Township board member, asked for clarity about notification and said local planning— including a planned new fire station—could be affected by consolidation. Hudson, a Bean Blossom township trustee, said a contract offered to the township appeared "deceptive" and raised concerns that equipment (and potentially buildings) could transfer under its terms; Hudson said the township board had agreed not to accept that contract.

County staff noted broader state-level financial pressures and recent legislation that have encouraged consolidation among local fire providers. The commissioners said the county had hired consultant Baker Tilly to analyze the fiscal impact of district expansion and that information had been shared at public meetings.

After closing the public hearing, the board moved to approve Ordinance 2025-51. The motion passed by voice vote; the chair recorded three ayes and declared the motion carried, 3-0. The board said it intends to consider other township requests — including Richland, Polk and Salt Creek — in the spring of 2026.

The meeting adjourned with the board thanking attendees and offering holiday wishes.