11/16/17 – 5:02 A.M.

A new joint fire district is forming in southern Hancock County. The Courier reports the trustees from Union and Van Buren townships as well as the councils for Jenera, Mount Cory, and Rawson voted in favor of the plan Wednesday. They say the district will save money, reduce duplication of equipment, and provide an equal tax base for fire services.

The district’s official creation is January 1. It won’t be responsible for fire protection for the villages and townships until the following year. That gives officials time to get a fire levy on the ballot for funding. If voters don’t pass the levy the district can fund itself based on real estate values.

Each township and village can appoint one member to the fire district’s governing board. Board members will be responsible for hiring a chief and a clerk.

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