FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO) — Allen County Commissioner Ron Turpin is defending a proposed countywide fire and emergency medical services consolidation, arguing the plan would improve emergency response coverage while adding relatively little to projected spending.
The proposed unified fire and EMS district carries a budget of approximately $48.9 million and is targeted to begin operating January 1, 2027. However, questions from Allen County Council members about the plan’s financial impact have raised concerns about whether the consolidation will move forward as scheduled.
During an interview on WOWO, Turpin said the proposed budget should be viewed against what local fire districts, a fire territory and participating townships are already spending.
Turpin says consolidation adds about $300,000
Turpin said the combined 2026 budgets for the four fire districts, one fire territory and townships expected to join the new district total approximately $48.2 million…