By Jennifer Tangeman
City council members heard mixed reviews of a local agreement to be voted on next week.
The council originally called a special meeting Monday to vote on establishing a fire territory and to sign an agreement with three surrounding townships.
“Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get the agreement hammered out,” city council finance chairman Scott Kraud said. “We initially wanted to vote on the resolutions tonight, but unfortunately did not get that accomplished in time for this week.”
Although the council agreed to postpone the vote until next week, members of the community still voiced their opinion about the agreement.
The agreement would include a five-member executive board charged with overseeing the fire department’s operations. The townships would have three representatives on the board, leaving the city with two.
This part of the agreement was contested at Monday’s meeting.
“I do feel Logansport should have a little more say because of the money burden the city is paying,” assistant fire chief Kim Costello said. “There’s things that Logansport needs to look out for Logansport. And there is no way we shouldn’t have equal votes.
“The townships are taking the reign and I wouldn’t give up that easy, not for the people of Logansport.”
Former assistant chief John Hatten agreed.
“I feel the people of the city of Logansport will be giving up control of the fire department,” Hatten said. “I recommend the territory be defeated.”
Mayor Mike Fincher said he did not disagree with the men, but the issue comes down to money.
“We don’t have the money to fund the fire department as it exists today,” Fincher said. “I see both sides of the point, but if the fire territory doesn’t come to fruition there will be a reduction of staff.”
Other members of the public said they were in favor of the territory for the reason that it would help secure jobs.
“I’m sitting here alive because two firefighters got to me when the hospital couldn’t,” said a teary-eyed Allen Hughes. “Two fireman brought me back to life that night. I had lost four pints of blood. I say keep all the department you can.
“I think if you were in my seat you’d know which way you’d vote.”
Fire investigator Ted Franklin said he also supported the territory agreement. He viewed it as an only option.
“This agreement may not be perfect, but it’s the best thing going,” Franklin said. “It is what we have to do. We have to survive.
“I think I speak for the vast majority of firefighters when I say I hope you adopt this thing.”
Scott Kraud, who has led much of the negotiations with trustees and officials from Clay, Eel and Noble townships, said his goal was to get something in front of officials to vote on.
He said he cannot predict whether or not the territory will pass, but wanted to bring some sort of an agreement forward.
The council will meet at 5 p.m. Monday to begin voting on the agreement.
• Jennifer Tangeman is a reporter for the Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at 574-732-5148 or jennifer.tangeman@pharostribune.com.
