Indiana

Muncie-mania

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

Although I spend most of my time writing about Indianapolis-related issues, Munice has gotten my attention as of late, because it seems to be a test case for what could happen here in Indy next year.

Due to property tax caps, Muncie faces a $3.8 million budget shortfall, and the city’s Mayor Sharon McShurley is laying off 36% of its fire firefighters and closing stations in order to help address that deficit.  What is also intriguing about Muncie is that officials who are firing firefighters are expecting the township fire departments to pick up the slack.

This has gotten the community in a uproar, and a community action plan to consolidate the Muncie Fire Department with the Center Township fire Department in Delaware County to help solve the problem, was vetoed by McShurley.  Proponents say consolidation would save more than a $1 million and coupled with other measures could close the gap.

This is interesting because watching the fire consolidation debate up north, reminds me of the debate here.  And if I were a township trustee with a fire department, I’d pay close attention.  Not only are property tax caps going to take a big chunk out of their budgets, but increases in the homestead exemption will also hit local governments.

The City-County Council will vote Monday night on consolidating IFD with the Perry Township Fire Department.  And the bi-partisan opposition is primarily political, some Democrats want to deny the Mayor a victory and some Republicans want to protect other township trustees because the more mergers take place, the more pressure is put on existing township fire departments to join.

But if I were a Marion County township trustee with a fire department and I oppose consolidation, I’d get in my car and head up to Muncie.  Your future will be staring right at you, up close and personal, and don’t forget to ask for some layoff slips.

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on June 07, 2009 (boomark / email).