<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3t7vP8_19IPVG7K00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3t7vP8_19IPVG7K00" width="1920" height="1080" ><figcaption>There is one more public meeting scheduled for Monday, March 9. After that, leaders plan to finalize the 2027 budget and submit the proposal to County Council for approval.</figcaption></figure>FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT)-- Fire department leaders from nearly every corner of Allen County gathered for a public panel to explain what residents can expect as the county moves toward a unified fire district.Leaders say the goal is to strengthen fire and emergency medical services across the county and ensure more consistent coverage in rural and high-demand areas.Under the plan, funding for fire protection would be standardized across areas outside Fort Wayne city limits. That means some residents could see changes in their tax rates depending on where they live.“What will happen is a flat tax rate will be established for everyone in Allen County for the same fire EMS services in every corner of the county outside the city,” fire chief of the Northwest Fire District, Robert Boren said.Supporters say the consolidation is about more than taxes. They say it is about making sure help arrives quickly when emergencies happen.Chad Bauer, an Adams Township board member who also serves on the East Central Fire Territory Board, says the interlocal agreement would help solve resource shortages that can delay responses.“To put it in context, we have a large county, and there’s some areas it’s hard to get to in emergencies,” Bauer said. “If we have a structure fire and another run comes in, all our resources are taken. This will help.”Bauer says consolidation would allow departments to backfill one another when crews are already responding to calls.“If my grandma’s out in the county with a heart condition and she calls 911, but there’s a structure fire going on already in New Haven, I know someone’s going to be immediately going to her,” he said. “Before, there’s just not enough resources.”He emphasizes that faster response times can make a critical difference.“Time’s everything. It really is,” Bauer said. “Before, if we’re out on a run here, but someone has a medical issue or there’s a wreck somewhere else, it could take 10 to 20 minutes and that’s just too long."There is one more public meeting scheduled for Monday, March 9. After that, leaders plan to finalize the 2027 budget and submit the proposal to County Council for approval.If the timeline stays on track, the unified fire district is expected to take effect January 2027.</div></body>

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FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT)-- Fire department leaders from nearly every corner of Allen County gathered for a public panel to explain what residents can expect as the county moves toward a unified fire district. Leaders say the goal is to strengthen fire and emergency medical services across the county and...

Allen County fire department consolidation plans continue

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FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT)-- Fire department leaders from nearly every corner of Allen County gathered for a public panel to explain what residents can expect

Allen County fire department consolidation plans continue

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