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Clermont council reviews fire protection options, hears cost comparisons and planning timeline
Summary
Councilors reviewed fire protection data and options, including per‑capita cost estimates and a Baker Tilly timeline for forming a fire territory; Attorney Bob Lutz said pending state legislation does not affect Marion County and an interlocal agreement between Wayne and Indianapolis Fire Districts is being drafted.
The Clermont Town Council spent a significant portion of its Feb. 3 special meeting reviewing options for the town’s fire protection arrangement, including cost‑basis comparisons, interlocal agreement possibilities, and timing guidance from consultant materials.
Councilor Topf presented recent calculations that estimate fire protection costs on a per‑capita basis and compared Clermont’s figures with similar Indiana municipalities; she reported that Clermont and the Wayne fire tax rates are on the high side. Councilor Beam reviewed comparative tax data showing Indianapolis Fire District’s (IFD) tax rate is markedly lower than Wayne’s, and suggested a merger or agreement with IFD could produce greater savings for residents than remaining with Wayne.
Attorney Bob Lutz told the council there is currently no state legislation in the session that would change fire protection arrangements in Marion County and that proposals under consideration specifically exclude Marion County at this time. He also noted a draft interlocal agreement involving Wayne and IFD is being developed but its viability and effects for Clermont are not yet known.
The council reviewed slides from a Baker Tilly presentation on forming fire territories; the presentation advised beginning planning about six months before a public hearing. Based on that timing and the steps required, councilors concluded it is unlikely the town could complete the process in time this year. The council discussed alternative paths if the Wayne/IFD agreement does not yield the desired outcome: joining the Brownsburg Fire Territory as the first alternate approach, or joining with Pike Township as a second option.
Councilors confirmed follow‑up actions: contact Pike Township fire officials (assigned to Councilor Topf and Clerk‑Treasurer Beiter), contact Brownsburg Fire Territory executive board (Councilors Beam and Lambard), finalize cost‑basis refinements (Councilors Sauro and Topf), and have Attorney Lutz monitor interlocal negotiations and request refined FOIA data from Wayne Township.
No formal decision was made at the meeting; the council directed staff and members to continue data collection and to seek Baker Tilly’s assistance in developing a calendar if the town pursues formation or joining of a fire territory.
The council adjourned at 7:33 P.M.
