JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. (WDRB) — What started as a plan to improve fire protection and EMS coverage in southern Indiana has now fizzled out — thanks in large part to new rules from Indiana lawmakers.
Back in March, the Jeffersonville City Council voted to join forces with Utica to create a new fire territory. The Jeffersonville-Utica Fire Territory would have served both communities and included plans to reopen closed fire stations, build new ones and stabilize EMS service across the area.
But now, Jeffersonville leaders said the plan is off the table.
"We tried to help Utica," Jeffersonville Mayor Mike Moore said in a statement to WDRB.
For residents in Utica, this was one step closer for them to have a fire department to protect them.
"Yeah, you’ve gotta deal with what it is," said David Bishop, a longtime Utica resident.
Bishop said his hometown has never really had a full fire department — just a volunteer crew — until former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel and New Chapel EMS took over. That building now sits empty after Noel was found guilty of misusing millions in public funds.
“I don't understand how he (Noel) got our building right down here," Bishop said. "It was the volunteer fire department. He took it over to run his ambulance mechanic shop out of it. And we've been left behind."
Under the proposed plan, the fire territory would have required a tax increase — up to 30% for some homeowners. But that money would have been used to reopen the old Crestview Station in Jeffersonville, renovate the empty station on Utica Pike, and build a new station at River Ridge.
“It was going to stabilize EMS coverage for Jeffersonville,” one Jeffersonville city official said. “But more importantly, we were going to be able to reopen and staff these critical locations.”
However, a new state law, Senate Bill 1, dramatically changed the math. The law caps the property tax rate for new fire territories at 40 cents, which significantly limits the amount of funding a city can collect.
"The state legislature changed the rules in the middle of the game. Time to move on," Moore said.
“It really changes the game as far as our ability to capture funds in order to cover fire service,” said Jeffersonville Fire leadership.
City leaders said they relied on financial advisors and fire officials, including Deputy Chief Sharp and the consulting firm Baker Tilly, who told them flatly: the numbers just didn’t work.
“They did not believe that we could fund the required budgeted amounts under this fire territory plan,” Jeffersonville City Councilmember Evan Stoner said. “And I can only speak for myself, but I was not willing to take that risk.”
At the heart of the issue is the town of Utica still doesn’t have a functioning fire department, and the outlook remains uncertain.
“I think it’s really important that we put aside political differences,” Bishop said. “We put aside party politics, and we just do what’s best for the people of Jeffersonville, Clark County and southern Indiana.”
But for now, the future of fire and EMS coverage in Utica is up in the air as building a new fire department from scratch is estimated at $30 million.
Previous Coverage:
Public safety a concern as Clark County officials weigh options to fund fire protection district
Judge reinstates fire board as Utica faces $30 million fire department, tax increase
Copyright 2025 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
