3/13/2006
Media Contact:
Steve Campbell, [317] 408-4474 |
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Firefighters, business leaders to push for fire merger at Statehouse one last time
Committee has two days left to pass law that actually improves fire services, provides cost savings
INDIANAPOLIS - Firefighters, business leaders and others will hold a press conference today at the Statehouse to push for Indianapolis Works one last time this year. The press conference will highlight a legislative conference committee where Senate Bill 1 will be discussed.
In its current form, the bill purports to allow a fire department merger in Marion County, but fails to give local officials the tools they need to truly improve fire service and save $20 million a year.
WHEN: TODAY - Monday, March 13
8:30 a.m. Press conference. Where: Indiana Statehouse, Third floor.
9 a.m. Conference committee meeting. Where: Senate Chambers.
The House of Representatives two weeks ago passed SB 1 that mandates a department run by a 12-member committee for four and a half years, with no direct accountability and no guarantee of improving fire service and cost savings. The House also voted along party lines to kill an amendment that was designed to fix those defects.
Mayor Bart Peterson originally called for merging ten fire departments in Marion County, eliminating all but two township trustees and boards for delivering poor relief; and merging nine township tax assessors into the County Assessor.
He has since proposed several compromises that still merge the fire departments, but leave the trustees and assessors in place. He also has conceded on nearly every point House leaders wanted, except for those that bring about the efficiencies and cost savings.
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