DAVIESS COUNTY — In an effort to secure long-term financial stability for local emergency services, the Daviess County Commissioners have approved a major reorganization of rural volunteer fire departments across the county.
The decision, made during the commissioners’ meeting this week, addresses chronic funding shortfalls and equipment replacement challenges that have strained local departments relying heavily on community fundraisers and donations.
Under the newly approved framework, several independent departments and townships will merge into two newly created, tax-supported fire districts:
- Barr Fire District: Formed by combining the Montgomery, Barr Township, and Cannelburg Fire Departments. It will be governed by an independent three-member board.
- Northwest Fire District: Encompassing Plainville, Elnora, Elmore Township, and VanBuren Township. It will be overseen by an independent five-member board.
The consolidation project was developed over several months in collaboration with local fire departments, led by County Commissioner Nathan Gabhart and County Councilman Mike Sprinkle.
By establishing formal fire districts, the departments will transition to receiving stable, predictable funding derived from the local tax base rather than depending primarily on supplemental fundraising events.
Status of Other County Departments
- Existing Districts: Veale Township and the Southeast Fire District (comprising Harrison and Reeve Townships) were already operating as recognized tax-funded districts.
- Opting Out: The Odon and Madison Township Volunteer Fire Departments chose not to join the consolidated districts at this time.
- City Coverage: The Washington Volunteer Fire Department continues to be funded through the Washington Township Trustee’s office.
Support for the restructuring has already extended to other county bodies; the Daviess County Redevelopment Commission recently approved equipment and supply grants for the newly forming districts, including $8,500 for extraction tools for the Northwest Fire District.
