The town of Winona Lake is once again looking at whether to merge its volunteer fire department with the fire territory.
The town is surrounded by the fire territory and some contend a merger would make sense.
The town was invited to join the territory when it was created 10 years ago but opted out.
Winona Lake Town Manager Craig Allebach confirmed the town has asked Umbaugh to assess whether a merger would be a good move for the town.
Talk of a merger has resurfaced as part of a comprehensive plan for the town, Allebach said.
The report is expected to look at cost, impact on homeowners and impact on tax rate, Allebach said.
He said they expect to receive the report soon.
If the Umbaugh report is favorable, the town council would confer with the fire department to get its input.
If they seek to merge, there would be a series of public meetings between January and April, Allebach said.
One issue that has changed since the last time they considered merging is that it’s become more difficult to attract volunteers and have them available during the daytime, he said.
Wilson said talk of a merger has been an “open question.” He said he believes such a change would be an asset to both entities.
Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer declined comment, saying it’s a decision between the town and its fire department.
Mitch Titus, fire chief for the volunteer department, said he’s heard talk that the town is looking into whether to consider a merger.
He said town officials have not informed him.
He declined to comment on what he thinks might be best.
The department has about 30 volunteers.
Titus is a volunteer. He sought to have the town council make the fire chief’s position a paid position several years ago, but council balked.
There are 11 volunteer fire departments in Kosciusko County. In addition to Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory, departments in Syracuse and North Webster are paid.
