(Port Sanilac) – An adhoc committee, looking into the possibility of forming a fire authority in eastern Sanilac County, met Tuesday afternoon at Bark Shanty in Port Sanilac. The group consists of representatives from the Village of Port Sanilac, Sanilac Township and Forester Township. They have been considering the proposal for several months and are trying to reach an equitable agreement for all parties.
In one proposal being considered, taxpayers in Forester and Sanilac townships would bear the brunt of the cost, paying over 40% of the merger each. The Village, where the fire department is housed, would only pay 11% in the proposal.
Forester board members present at the meeting voiced their displeasure of not knowing details of the plan and said it is important to be informed so they can educate their constituents on the concept.
Port Sanilac Village President Raymond Mach said one of the models being considered is based on the communities SEV values. He felt that was the most fair proposal, as opposed to a formula based on emergency service calls. He said it will take some time to get details worked out but feels a decision on how to proceed will happen “in the first quarter” of 2017.
Officials from all three entities agreed something has to be done, with the increasing costs associated of operating the fire department, including protective equipment, apparatus and personnel costs.
