Cloverdale Town Board puts end to fire territory rumors

After months of misconceptions, rumors and innuendos circulating on social media and around the Town of Cloverdale,

Cloverdale Town Board President Brandon Tancak addressed the fire territory discussion again this week during Cloverdale's Town Board meeting. 

It marked the third straight month a proposed fire territory dominated discussions. 

Last month, Township Trustee Dale Monnett and Cloverdale Volunteer Fire Chief Kerry Shepherd approached council for the second consecutive month with the hope of having a discussion about a proposed fire territory. The territory would have included Cloverdale Township, the Town of Cloverdale and Taylor Township. Warren Township had previously voted against joining. However, the talks stopped short before they could even begin.  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 vowed to continue to give the fire department $35,000 a year under its current agreement. 

This week, Tancak said the board felt it necessary to issue a public statement due to the "amount of misinformation currently being circulated."

"This is an extremely important matter, and we want to ensure that accurate facts are presented to the public rather than rumors or incorrect information," Tancak said. 

Tancak said that during the January town board meeting, the Cloverdale Township Trustee and a representative from Baker Tilly presented information about a proposed fire territory. During that meeting, members of the town board and Cloverdale's Clerk-Treasurer asked about financial information and it was agreed the information would be brought to the February meeting. 

"The Town of Cloverdale is already preparing for the significant, negative revenue impact that will result from Senate Bill 1. These impacts are beyond the town's control, but the council is working diligently to understand and prepare for the changes once the bill goes into effect. Revenue sources such as property tax, circuit breaker funds, TIF, LIT, EDIT and public safety revenues are all expected to be negatively impacted by Senate Enrolled Act 1. These are critical revenue streams the town currently relies on to support multiple departments and services," Tancak said. 

According to Tancak, at the February meeting, the town board learned more about the financial impact of the fire territory, including an admission that the proposal included a 12-and-a-half percent property tax increase on assessed value for Cloverdale and Cloverdale Township property owners. Furthermore, Tancak said the town would also 

experience further negative revenue impacts related to property tax reductions, circuit breaker losses, TIF, vehicle excise tax and TIF revenue. Tancak said last month many questions were asked and there was a "thoughtful and professional dialogue about the proposal and its potential impact." 

"It is important to clarify that the Town Council did not vote "no" on the fire territory proposal as some members of the public have been led to believe. The proposal simply did not receive a second to proceed to a vote. The council fully recognizes that there are challenges with volunteer staffing within the fire department. We face similar issues with volunteer and reserve staffing within our police department, as well. There is no question that this council supports the fire department. When considering matters of this magnitude, the council must also carefully consider the financial impact on every homeowner and business owner in our community," Tancak said. 

The town board president noted the entire town board is appreciative of the dedication and service of the men and women who volunteer and serve in the town's fire department. 

"Their commitment to protecting our community is valued and respected, and this discussion is not about questioning their service, but about ensuring a financially responsible path forward for the entire community. Additionally, rumors suggesting that the fire department will close are simply rumors and misinformation," Tancak said, again reiterating the town's $35,000 a year commitment to the fire department. 

He said it is also important residents know the current town board was not involved in any decisions made years ago that changed the amount the town pays to the Cloverdale Trustee for fire services. Tancak said after last month's meeting, he met with Monnett to discuss financial concerns. 

"During that conversation, I presented several ideas that I believed could help address the issue. However, the Trustee indicated that those ideas would likely not receive enough support from his committee or the fire department. He stated that he may present a new fire territory proposal later this year. We remain committed to working toward responsible solutions that ensure continued public safety while also protecting the financial stability of our community," Tancak said.