Wabash Township trustee asks Tippecanoe County to release public-safety income tax for fire, EMS

Angel Valentin, the Wabash Township trustee, told the Tippecanoe County Council on July 14 that his township needs $750,000 from the countypublic-safety local income tax to bolster staffing and equipment for fire and EMS.

Valentin said the request would be split roughly in half: $375,000 to add six firefighters per shift and $375,000 toward purchasing a ladder truck. "We're requesting $750,000. Half of that would go towards adding a 6 firefighter per shift ... and $375,000 towards the purchase of a ladder truck," Valentin said during the public hearing. He argued township residents have paid into the public-safety tax but have not yet seen commensurate benefits for fire and ambulance services.

The trustee presented data showing run volumes rising from about 1,255 runs in 2022 to a forecast of roughly 1,925 runs in 2026, and he said Wabash Township firefighters handle about twice the runs per on‑shift firefighter compared with neighboring Lafayette and West Lafayette departments. Valentin also cited 90th‑percentile ambulance on‑scene times of about 18 minutes in Wabash Township versus a countywide 90th percentile of 15.8 minutes, saying slow response times prompted the township to add ambulance service.

Valentin framed the request as a fairness issue. "We presented detailed data about the growth being approved in our service area, our needs ... and the availability of public safety tax dollars countywide," he said. He asked the council to consider small rate increases or an allocation mechanism so townships can access funds without disadvantaging cities.

Council members pressed Valentin on whether the public-safety tax was intended for fire services and whether a countywide policy discussion would be preferable to allocating money to a single township. One council member said the county must balance requests from across Tippecanoe County before raising rates or redirecting funds. Valentin replied townships must apply under current state law and that Wabash has repeatedly sought these funds since 2023.

Public commenters at the hearing offered mixed responses. Ed Ward, chief of the Wabash Township Fire Department, said townships were discussed when the tax was originally structured and urged the council to approve the township's request. Local firefighter Dan Huff cautioned that rejecting funding would keep staffing below needed levels and risk public safety. Resident David Byers urged fiscal restraint and suggested consolidation; Frank Hannon supported the ladder-truck purchase as a necessity for new mid-rise development.

Chair noted that West Lafayette recently adopted a supporting resolution and that county rules require advertising before a vote; as a result the council will consider the formal allocation at its August meeting. No allocation was approved at the July 14 meeting.

What comes next: The county council will advertise per statutory requirements and is scheduled to consider the resolution and any appropriation in August.