'There isn't any doubt' fire district can serve Hillsboro, townships

The Paint Creek Joint EMS and Fire District has not made a decision yet regarding the Hillsboro administration's recommendation the city contract with the district for EMS and fire services. But, a district board member says "there isn't any doubt" the district would be able to effectively provide services to the city and to other area townships.

During the Greenfield City Council's regular meeting Wednesday evening, council member and district board of trustees member Bill Redenbaugh updated council regarding the current situation between the district, the city of Hillsboro, and some Highland County townships.

On Tuesday, Hillsboro Mayor Drew Hastings recommended to the Hillsboro City Council that the city contract with the Paint Creek Joint EMS and Fire District at $600,000 per year for three years, with the option to extend for one year. Hastings said that the agreement would save the city an estimated $1,540,000, "compared to continuing operation of the fire department with an estimated $899,648 deficit and a capital costs/benefits/administration (CBA) deficit of $450,000," for a total deficit of $1,348,648.

In order to become effective, the Hillsboro council and the fire district's board must approve the contracts.

"We have been talking with the folks from Hillsboro concerning providing fire protection and EMS services," Redenbaugh said Wednesday. "We have not signed a contract. The board has not reviewed and/or approved one. We have simply looked at the fundamentals of providing adequate coverage for the citizens of Hillsboro."

Redenbaugh also noted that the district board has also spoken with representatives from area townships regarding providing services to them.

"It's quite an undertaking," Redenbaugh said. "But we've (undertaken) larger hills to climb. You have to remember, we started with just a conversation three years ago. Now, we're a pretty viable entity. We've proved our merit in just doing a job that we've been asked to do. Can we expand and do it? Yes. There isn't any doubt about that. We have the personnel, we have the administration, and all those things are groundwork for success."

The district, which was formed in 2009 and began operating in January 2010, covers the village of Greenfield, Madison Township, Buckskin Township, Paint Township in Ross County, and Paint Township in Highland County. Their headquarters is located in Greenfield, and there is a temporary substation in Paint Township in Highland County.

Redenbaugh said the district is continuing in meeting with architects regarding building a permanent Paint Township substation.

"A lot of things are yet to be seen and answered," Redenbaugh said. "At this point in time, we are in the neighborhood of 150 EMS runs ahead of last year."

Some personnel has been added in the last year he said, and they are looking at acquiring additional equipment.

"We're still giving good service that was a priority," Redenbaugh said. "That has always been our thing, to have good people doing good jobs with the best equipment we can provide."

Greenfield City Council President Betty Jackman told Redenbaugh, "You're doing a fine job, sir. We're proud of you."

The district's next meeting is scheduled for June 26 at 7 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Hillsboro City Council is July 9 at 7:30 p.m.