Commissioners authorize drafting of MOU to study Southwest Porter County fire district

A consultant/participant presented a proposed framework for studying the potential formation of a Southwest Porter County Fire District. The recommended structure included three committees: an elected‑officials committee (townships, county, and Town of Hebron with invited school superintendents), a technical committee of emergency services personnel (fire departments, 9‑1‑1, EMA) and a resident committee of property owners from the affected townships and Hebron. The presenter said the MOU would not commit participants to financial obligations but would permit exploration of options and budgets.

Why it matters: commissioners said state legislative changes affecting townships and fire department organization make it prudent to begin transparent discussions now rather than wait for state mandates. The board asked that the county attorney and staff prepare draft qualifications and an MOU so the committees and application process can be advertised. The motion to authorize drafting the MOU passed on a voice vote.

Next steps: county staff and the county attorney will draft the MOU and qualifications, then advertise for committee applicants; staff will return with the draft for commissioner review.