Local fire boards and commissioners move to explore Floyd County fire territory amid funding changes

Representatives from multiple local fire districts and Floyd County commissioners discussed forming a Floyd County fire territory to align emergency medical services and reduce redundancies. Georgetown Fire, Highlander Fire and New Albany Township representatives described quorum and local motivations; Jason Sharp said the territory model could ensure consistent EMS funding across the county.

Discussion noted that changes to local income tax (LIT) associated with a state law referenced in the transcript could reduce county LIT revenue by an estimated $1.4–1.5 million. Auditor Diana Topping said the LIT changes "take effect in 2028," explained timing for specialty LIT adoption, and noted the council sets rates. The transcript records no detailed countywide revenue projection beyond these estimates.

Georgetown Fire Board passed a motion to continue working with the existing fire districts and the County Commissioners and Council on a Floyd County Fire Territory (motion moved by Mark Ringenberg, seconded by Geoff McNulty; motion passed 4-0). Highlander Fire moved for a financial analysis review (moved by Matt Smith, seconded by Michael Bloom; motion passed unanimously). New Albany Township moved to explore a countywide fire territory (moved by Daniel Jacobs, seconded by Ben Gipe; motion passed unanimously).

Speakers said the territory model would remove redundancies and help stabilize revenue for multi-station districts. Michael Moody of Georgetown Fire said he was "comfortable and happy with the direction Georgetown Fire is going," and Jason Sharp said that bringing districts into a territory "removes redundancies and makes the service more efficient," according to the transcript. The meeting record does not include a final county decision or a timeline for the next formal action beyond the motions to continue study and request analysis.