Hanover to take over Madison Township fire/EMS services

NEWARK – The Madison Township Board of Trustees has abolished its own fire department and will contract with Hanover Township to provide fire and emergency medical services, it was announced at a special trustees meeting Tuesday morning.

The Madison Township trustees told those in attendance at the special meeting that Hanover had agreed to provide the same services for Madison Township for $150,000 a year. Trustees also appointed Brian Spellman, fire chief in Hanover, to serve as fire prevention officer for Madison for an annual salary of $12,000.

"It's rather clear and the facts show the fire department cannot continue down this same path," said Mark Van Buren, Madison Township administrator. "You can't afford it."

Van Buren said the township will not be able to support the fire department much longer financially without raising township taxes. By having Hanover take over services, the township will save money.

In addition to lack of funds, Van Buren told the trustees that because of the amount of staffing in Hanover versus Madison, Hanover has faster response times in emergencies.

Based on data taken from the Licking County 911 Center between Feb. 2 and June 22 of this year, Van Buren said Hanover personnel were en route from their station an average of 3 minutes and 6 seconds faster than Madison personnel.

"The data clearly shows Hanover is quicker," Van Buren said. "Madison cannot currently afford 24 hour, 7 day service. ... The money is not there."

Hanover is staffed with 41 personnel and the department is open with paid staff 24 hours a day 7 days a week, Van Buren said. Madison has 34 total personnel, only 12 of which are paid, and that's on a part time status. Part-time staff members are scheduled only between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and one part time worker takes weekend day shifts. Van Buren said that the slots are not always filled, based on time sheets.

A resolution clearing the way for the agreement and a contract with Hanover had already been completed by Licking County Assistant Prosecutor Mark Zanghi. Zanghi said he created the documents at Van Buren's request.

The documents did not require Hanover to use Madison Township equipment, although trustees said they anticipated the Madison Township fire station would be in use within the next two months.

Tax dollars from Madison Township will pay for the use and utilities of the township fire house. Van Buren said Madison Township firefighters could apply to work in Hanover.

The township's labor attorney, Jonathan Downes, told the trustees at the meeting Tuesday that it was within their rights to abolish the fire department.

"The point is the delivery of safety services is a fundamental service of local government," Downes said. "There have to be resources to provide these services."

No public comment was allowed at the special meeting, which was at Licking Valley High School, although many people spoke out anyway, voicing discontent with the decision and begging the trustees to reconsider closure of the department. Police escorted some attendees from the site.

The Madison Township Fire Department has been under investigation by a consultant hired by the Licking County Prosecutor's Office since January.

Nothing regarding the status of the investigation was discussed at Tuesday's meeting.

This November, one trustee, Ric Lahmers, and Financial Officer Nancy Robinson stand for re-election.