Indiana Fire Department Considers Options for 2016 Funding

A southwestern Indiana fire department is facing an uncertain financial future after finally emerging from years in the red.

Vincennes City Council President Duane Chattin tells the Vincennes Sun-Commercial that revenue projections indicate the department will need to make cuts or find a new funding source if it’s to stay in the black next year.

The department finished in the red for years before Mayor Joe Yochum took office. Cuts made by the previous administration, a transfer of money from the Board of Works and some unspent pension money have helped the department get by.

But declining valuation in the fire district and statewide property tax caps are pinching the department once again.

The department currently has 39 firefighters.