Centerville contemplates fire territory

Centerville is exploring whether establishing a fire territory could be a better way to handle fire protection and emergency services.

Fire territories allow two or more contiguous taxing units such as townships, cities or fire districts to share resources and costs.

Advising firm Baker Tilly could perform a preliminary study costing up to $6,500 that would look at the impact on the town, Center Township and individual taxpayers.

A maximum rate of 40 cents per $100 could be applied to properties’ net assessed values to help the town use its general fund for other expenses.

By approving Senate Enrolled Act 1, Indiana legislature has changed how property taxes are being distributed in the future. A Baker Tilly analyst told council the new law is forcing the hands of cities, towns and counties to come up with their own funding mechanisms.

If needed, a second Baker Tilly analysis would examine the impact on overlapping governmental units, at a maximum fee of $22,500.

Baker Tilly’s bill could be split between the town and Center Township, and the town and township would both have to agree to create the fire territory.

Council tabled the matter until its April 28 work session. Attorney Ed Martin was to review the proposal.

In other business

• Centerville Christian Church encouraged community support for its campaign to raise $185,000 for repairs. Funds would go toward a match from Indiana Landmarks’ Sacred Places Indiana Fund supported by Lilly Endowment to complete fixes to the 1878 church’s steeple and spire. Church leaders noted the church’s many community partnerships through Christmas in Centerville, Lions Club fish fry and Archway Days festivals, as well as offering after-school programs for students in grades 6-12. The work must be done by November 2027.
• The town may enter an interlocal agreement with Wayne County, which would provide two digital speed limit signs at no cost to the town. Centerville would be responsible for maintenance. They would count vehicles and measure speeds, but would not have license plate readers or photograph vehicles. Council will discuss the matter at the work session.
• Four code enforcement cases were cleared in March without enforcement.

Council’s next meeting will be 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, in town hall, 220 E. Main St. The public may attend.

Centerville Youth League’s season-opening parade will be at 11 a.m. May 9, and the annual Armed Forces Day parade saluting Wayne County veterans will be at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 16, downtown on Main Street. CYL will offer a fireworks show at dusk Wednesday, June 20, just off South Morton Avenue.