Cloverdale Town Board continues Fire Territory talks

For the second time in as many months, the Town of Cloverdale board heard from its fire department leaders and the importance of making sure the department is vibrant and solvent in the future. 

Township Trustee Dale Monnett and Cloverdale Volunteer Fire Chief Kerry Shepherd approached council again, looking to have a discussion about a fire territory. The territory would have included Cloverdale Township, the Town of Cloverdale, and Taylor Township. Warren Township had previously voted against joining. 

However, those talks were stopped short by the town board before it even got started. 

"The reason we're wanting a territory is so that we put some funds in there to, hopefully, get more young people interested. This generation simply doesn't want to give up their time. We've lost several members over the years both young and old. The overall cost to outfit a firefighter is getting ridiculous because it's right about $11,000. We do the best we can, but we're at a critical point where we have to do something," Shepherd said. 

Doing something consisted of how to fund the proposed territory, however, town officials are wary of funding the territory as taxes are projected to jump 10 to 12.5 percent.

Shepherd said staffing volunteer fire departments is an issue at every volunteer station across the nation. The veteran firefighter said 70 percent of fire departments across the United States are volunteer based. 

"We have been trying to get this for a long time and now we are operating with half the money we had 22 years ago. We're all looking to retire at some point, but we have to keep going because the interest isn't there. I am really hoping we can do the right thing here," Shepherd said. 

While the plea was there, support from the town board was not. Board member Larry Fidler made a motion to move forward with a fire territory, however, the motion immediately died with no second. Nobody brought forward another motion for the fire territory. While the fire territory is not moving forward, Cloverdale will continue to give the fire department $35,000 a year under its current agreement. 

Cloverdale President Brandon Tancak, as well as others on the board were not ready to sign off on financial resources. 

Tancak said while he has had meetings with Shepherd and Monnett and understands the issues, he had to consider the financial toll it would put on residents. 

"We have to think about everyone. If something were to happen to my kids, of course, I want there to be a fire department, EMS, police, who wouldn't. But the other side to that coin is what about that family that's living paycheck to paycheck? That $50 something bucks that their taxes would be raised by, that could go toward them putting food on the table to feed their families," Tancak said. 

Tancak said under the proposed fire territory, there would be a 12.5 percent property tax increase, generating about $140 thousand in operating funds. The proposal also outlined $327,600 in salaries for part time employes and another $250 thousand allocated for additional bonuses or rewards for volunteers responding to runs. The volunteer incentive was structured at $25 per run, for up to 10 individuals per call, based on an estimated 1,000 runs a year, according to Tancak. 

"I recognize the challenges and concerns currently facing our fire department, and I want to be clear that I fully support them. I personally contribute to their annual fundraiser as appreciation for the essential services they provide in protecting our community. Our firefighters dedicate countless hours responding to emergencies, and their commitment does not go unnoticed," Tancak said. 

As a result of the fire territory failing to gain traction, Tancak said he will continue to work with Monnett and Shepherd to find additional funding streams to help offset operational costs while being mindful of taxpayers.