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Fire Territory Meeting 7.2.26
Published: Jul 2, 2026
Fire Territory Board Explores Financing for New Stations and Parkway Project, Reviews 2026 Budget
The Fire Territory Board received a presentation from Baker Tilly regarding potential financing options for two new fire stations (Station One and Station Four) and the Memorial Parkway project. The discussion focused on general obligation bond issuance, aiming for tax rate neutrality by leveraging existing debt payoff and potential growth in the city's tax base. Options were explored for structuring the financing, including potential participation from Center Township to share costs. The board approved a motion for the fire chief and consultant to continue discussions on bond structures for the stations [cite: 19-70, 148-149]. Additionally, the board reviewed the 2026 Fire Department budget, noting challenges in accommodating personnel increases for Station Four and potential raises, and discussed the financial implications of health insurance contributions and wage adjustments [cite: 350-368, 370-384].
Fire Department Adopts Updated Prevention Code, Incentive-Based Inspection Fees, and False Alarm Charges
Division Chief Stites presented a proposed amendment to the City of Phelpo Code of Ordinances, Chapter 94, Fire Prevention, which was last updated in 2000. The amendment aims to update the fire code to current state standards, as the state is discontinuing the Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission, allowing municipalities to adopt their own codes within state limits [cite: 160-181]. Key changes include a revised fee structure for inspections, moving from upfront charges to an incentive-based model where fees are incurred only for reinspections after the first two [cite: 182-191, 240-255]. The ordinance also allows the fire department to charge for false alarms, which are a significant call type [cite: 192-194]. The current Article 13, ALS Ambulance Service, is the only part of the existing Chapter 94 that remains unchanged, with a separate discussion planned for EMS fees [cite: 204-218]. The board approved the motion to move forward with this ordinance amendment [cite: 286-287, 291-294]. Additionally, an update on hiring was provided, noting a pool of 25 qualified candidates for firefighter positions to fill needs at Station Four and for replacements over the next two years [cite: 321-332]. The board also approved continuing the Paramedic Education and Clinical Training Agreement with St. Mary's for another two years [cite: 296-320].
Fire Territory Board Reorganizes Leadership and Discusses Fund Flow Amendment
The Fire Territory Board conducted its annual reorganization, electing Michelle Harris as Secretary, Ben as President, and Mark McCall as Vice President for the upcoming year [cite: 414-454]. The board also discussed a proposal to change how certain captured funds are directed. Currently, funds captured by the Redevelopment Commission (RDC) are not flowing to the Fire Territory. The board expressed a desire to pursue amending the interlocal agreement with the city and RDC to allow these funds to flow to the territory, which would include township capture as well [cite: 457-482]. This would require involvement and voting from the city and the RDC to amend the interlocal agreement [cite: 464-469, 479]. The board requested a plan of action for this process [cite: 480-481].
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The Valparaiso News archive
RDC Meeting 07/09/2025
EAB 7-6-26
VCS Board of School Trustees Special Meeting, Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 5:00 pm
Board of Works 6-26-26
HRC 6-25-26
City Council 6-22-26
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