NEW RIEGEL - NBS Joint Fire District board members met Tuesday night with McCutchenville Chief Don Shellhouse and several of his firefighters as well as firefighters from Wyandot County's Tymochtee Township to discuss a possible merger.
Questions were raised at the last meeting regarding different levies in Seneca and Wyandot counties for services. NBS district has a 1.8-mill levy for fire services only, while Tymochtee Township carries a 2-mill levy for fire services and EMS. Seneca County Prosecutor Derek DeVine said during that meeting the levy issue would have to be resolved before a merger was possible.
The state attorney general's office said Tymochtee Township would have to follow the NBS millage if it joins the fire district. Should McCutchenville decide to join the district, it probably would be easier for the township to contract for services with the joint fire district.
A future board of trustees would consist of a New Riegel village representative, and a trustee from Big Spring, Seneca and Tymochtee townships. McCutchenville, an unincorporated village, may not have a representative.
Shellhouse submitted a financial statement for his department as requested. The department has an $80,000 loan for a new pumper truck. It was noted the truck's title would need to be transferred to NBS if the merger occurs.
Both departments' officers are to meet Monday to discuss how the department would be run if they merged. Then, once it is determined whether McCutchenville also would merge, firefighters would meet with NBS board members to discuss figures for a possible contract between Tymochtee Township and the NBS Joint Fire District for future services.
