JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. (WDRB) — The future of fire protection in Utica Township remains uncertain as no decision has been made regarding the establishment of its own fire department.
The Jeffersonville City Council was expected to vote Thursday on the formation of the Jeffersonville-Utica Township Fire Protection Territory but was unable to proceed due to unexpected developments earlier in the week.
The primary obstacle arose when Clark County Commissioners dissolved the Utica Fire Protection Board just one day before the scheduled vote. The three-member board was responsible for overseeing fire protection in the area. The board's president has yet to provide further comment but has claimed in a statement that the commissioners' meeting was conducted illegally. Council members echoed this sentiment, with some suggesting that legal action should be taken.
Dustin White, a member of the Jeffersonville City Council representing District 1, expressed his frustration over the board’s abrupt dissolution.
"What happened to them is unfair," White said. "It's disrespectful, rude, insolent, and not right. You appoint three people to solve a problem, and they're doing it, and then you snatch the rug out from under them at the last minute."
Fire protection in Utica Township has been a growing concern, particularly since former Utica Township Volunteer Fire Department head Jamey Noel was found to have misused department funds for personal gain. In the wake of this scandal, Jeffersonville firefighters have stepped in to provide coverage but are increasingly stretched thin.
Deputy Chief of Administration for the Jeffersonville Fire Department, Jason Sharp, highlighted the strain on resources.
"The City of Jeffersonville and River Ridge both have grown rather rapidly over the years, and our ability to protect that area has just decreased so much over the years, so we had to do something," Sharp said. "We had to solve this problem."
With resources already under pressure, council members stress that this issue is a matter of public safety. Donna Reed, a representative of District 5, emphasized the importance of ensuring emergency services for all residents of Clark County.
"Something has to be done, and if this has done any good in this area, I hope it's that everybody comes together and realizes that every resident in Clark County is important," Reed said. "Every resident deserves an ambulance when someone calls 911, and everybody deserves to have their home saved if it's on fire."Â
The Jeffersonville City Council has until April 1 to revisit and potentially vote on the fire protection proposal.
Previous Coverage:
- As Utica continues to grow, residents hold out hope a proposed tax hike isn't next
- Clark County Commissioners vote to dismiss Utica Fire board amid ongoing fire territory funding debate
- Public safety a concern as Clark County officials weigh options to fund fire protection district
- Jeffersonville officials weigh new fire territory amid concerns over tax impact
- Jeffersonville ponders creating its own EMS service as the future of New Chapel EMS remains in doubt
- Clark County EMS officials propose 90-day contract with Muncie-based Heartland Ambulance
- Tri-Township Fire Department adds new ambulances to service Clark County, Indiana
- New Chapel EMS to stop providing 911 ambulance service in Clark County
- Jamey Noel accused of using fire department funds to purchase flights for family, former councilwoman
- New Chapel Fire and EMS suing former chief Jamey Noel for credit card spending
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