Braun backs Allen County fire-EMS consolidation as organic, DLGF-led
The WANE 15 segment features Governor Mike Braun discussing the pending consolidation of multiple Allen County fire protection districts and EMS into a single countywide Allen County Fire & EMS District. Braun expresses support for the move, noting it appears to be growing organically rather than being imposed from above, and praises shifting oversight to the Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) for ensuring proper structure, especially given its role in property taxes. He and the host briefly address concerns that a DLGF denial would leave no immediate backup, with Braun suggesting state legislators could intervene, though he notes that route would be protracted. The consolidated department is set to launch operations January 1, 2027, following county council approval of its roughly $49 million budget.
Source: WANE 15 News