Decatur Board of Works raises township fire-share to 10% for 2027 budget

The Decatur Board of Works voted to increase the percentage townships pay toward the city fire budget from 9% to 10% for the 2027 budget, a measure members said will move the cost-sharing closer to parity with the actual run distribution.

Board members reviewed budget figures showing townships currently pay 9% (the packet listed a total of $103,019.31 at that rate) and discussed that about 20–21% of runs are outside the city. One member argued the increase should be gradual: “I don’t think we can leave it at 9%… it needs to go up gradually,” the board member said, urging a small step this year. Members noted that equipment costs “aren’t getting any cheaper.”

Staff presented estimated effects: moving to 10% would add roughly $2,000–$4,000 annually to individual townships (about $4,000 for Root Township, $2,000 for Union, $2,000 for St. Mary’s, and $3,000 for Washington, according to the figures discussed). A motion to set the township share at 10% for the upcoming budget year was moved, seconded and approved; the motion referenced a total budget figure of $150,454.60 tied to the proposed rate and the board clarified the change applies to the 2027 budget.

The board directed staff to send letters next month notifying each township of the new percentage and amounts so townships can plan for their budgets. No townships’ representatives were present at the meeting to comment.

Board members said the change was intended to more evenly allocate costs for emergency service runs that occur outside the city limits. The board did not set additional conditions or a schedule for future increases during the meeting.