Ellitzville‑Richland reorganization debate centers on fire protection and projected tax changes

Monroe County — The Richland Township and Town of Ellitzville Reorganization Committee met March 4 to review a plan to consolidate services and to discuss how changes could affect fire protection and local tax bills.

Resident Phil Shaunoff asked whether Ellitzville and Monroe County can agree on a fire protection territory that would cover the town’s fire‑department debt while continuing shared services. Committee member William Ellis said the county is pursuing creation of a fire district, which differs from the town’s current contract arrangement.

Sandy Hash, finance subcommittee member, presented projected tax impacts tied to the reorganization plan. Hash said property‑tax bill impacts are expected to be about 6.9% for Richland Township, 4.1% for Ellisville Richland and 3.4% for Ellisville Bean Blossom; she gave an example that a $300,000 home in Richland Township could see about a $173 increase.

Committee members noted long local history of shared services and said some details remain unsettled, including uncertainty about local income‑tax rates beyond 2027 under 2025 Senate Enrolled Act One. The committee will consolidate subcommittee reports and meet again on March 18 to further refine the reorganization plan.

Committee members emphasized the tradeoffs of forming a fire district versus maintaining contracts, including potential costs to build station infrastructure and equipment if a district is created versus the town’s current ownership of assets.