The New Carlisle Town Council and Olive Township Board voted Tuesday to establish a joint fire territory in 2020.
By increasing taxes, the move will enable several firefighters to be hired so that residents don’t depend solely on volunteers for service.
The vote was 3-2 from the town council members, and the Olive Township representatives voted 2-1 on the measure.
Although several residents spoke against the measure at the meeting, which drew more than 100 people, the boards decided to approve it.
“There were some negative comments, but it’s our job to prove them wrong and be the best fire department that we can be,” said Josh Schweitzer, current volunteer fire chief.
Supporters of the territory say it is no longer safe for residents to rely on the volunteer-based New Carlisle Fire Department. Not enough volunteers respond to emergencies, they say, and a paid staff is needed to protect the public and serve the industrial area east of the town.