Bartholomew County will use federal COVID relief funds to provide each of its townships with $100,000 for fire protection services.
The Bartholomew County Commissioners voted Monday to send a letter to township trustees and their fire departments regarding this appropriation, which comes from the American Rescue Plan.
“We would like to give each township $100,000 specifically to be spent on fire protection services,” said commissioners’ chairman Carl Lienhoop as he read from the letter. “We realize that the departments across the county vary in size, run volume and needs, etc. However, we feel that all departments can be benefited by this appropriation.”
Commissioner Larry Kleinhenz similarly said that while officials try to be “equitable” in allocation of funds, “Fire protection affects everyone.” He feels that the county’s approach is a blanket policy that should help all residents.
“I can’t think of a better use for all the citizens of Bartholomew County,” said commissioner Tony London. “The volunteer fire departments — they go above and beyond, all across the county. And it’s made up of men and women that donate their time and their funds.”
One member of the public, Don Strietelmeier, asked if there are any areas in the county where new departments should be established.
Kleinhenz replied that this may be the case, depending on one’s opinion, but he feels good about their coverage.
“We who live in the county must remember that services in the county, a lot of the times, are not going to match up with services in the city,” said Lienhoop.
London added each department has a joint service agreement, so multiple departments may respond to the same fire.
“They all have these joint agreements, and they all work together, and they all show up,” he said. “If they get the call, they all come running. And so I think the county’s pretty well served, I really do. But this money is going to allow improvements.”
German Township Trustee Chris West told the commissioners that, as a former fire chief for his area, he appreciates the allocation.
