By Alan Rusch
Ellsworth County Independent Reporter – December 26, 2013
Submitted by Newz Group Clipping Service – January 2, 2014
The structure of the Lorraine Fire Department could change if a discussion that started during the December 17 meeting of the Lorraine City Council becomes reality.
Lorraine mayor Dennis Boyer attended a December 4 meeting in Holyrood to discuss fire operations. Two proposals emerged, according to city clerk Michael Boyers:
The Lorraine Fire Department could merge with the Holyrood Fire Department, or
The Lorraine and Holyrood Fire Departments could form an independent fire district with Green Garden, Palacky, and Valley Townships.
Boyer said there appears to be strong support for forming an independent fire district, but it would be at least January 2015 before such a plan was operational.
Green Garden Township trustees Russell Kootz and Ronny Soeken attended the December 4 meeting. Kootz said Lorraine and Holyrood fire departments already have a mutual aid agreement, where Holyrood responds to a fire in Lorraine if requested and vise versa.
Lorraine City attorney Theresa Staudinger said a fire district would create a separate entity with its own tax revenue and taxation powers under the governance of Ellsworth County commissioners. Commissioners, along with the appropriate city councils and township boards, would need to pass resolutions in support of the district.
“It would take a lot of motivated individuals to make this happen,” Staudinger said.
Staudinger said county commissioners would likely appoint a board, which would be responsible for a budget and the placement of equipment.
Holyrood fire chief Mark Breford will plan a public meeting at 7 p.m. Friday, January 10, to discuss the proposal with Holyrood residents.
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