Markleville expresses interest in merger with South Madison Fire Territory
Oct. 31—MARKLEVILLE — The Town of Markleville passed a resolution during its Oct. 23 meeting, expressing interest in the possibility of dissolving the Adams-Markleville Fire Protection Territory and merging with South Madison Fire Protection Territory.
"The (Adams-Markleville) Fire Territory reached out (to all of the municipalities involved) in that last (fire protection territory) meeting, saying 'if you're interested, we want a formal acknowledgement that you're interested,'" Town Council president Daniel Roseberry explained.
Town attorney John Reeder then drafted the resolution, which served as the town's formal acknowledgement.
The resolution states the town plans to explore all of its options which could include a merger with South Madison.
The town will also be looking into the expenses and workforce of the local department to see if the local department is viable as-is.
Public meetings regarding the local fire department will be held Nov. 13 and 27 at Markleville Town Hall. Both meetings will begin at 7 p.m.
Options are already being discussed by the Adams-Markleville Fire Protection Territory Board, according to Roseberry.
One presentation proposed that the merger would include adding 18 full-time staff to the local department, according to Roseberry.
Adding specialized jobs to the local area, Roseberry said, would be a major advantage of a merger.
Such advantages would likely come at a price.
Roseberry said the municipalities involved in the merger could see an increase in taxes. Such municipalities may include Ingalls, Adams Township and Markleville.
Follow Caleb Amick on Twitter @AmickCaleb. Contact him at caleb.amick@heraldbulletin.com or 765-648-4254.
