Meeting Report · Ellettsville Town Council
Council approves agreement for new fire station financed by Richland Township.
The agreement ensures Richland Township will finance the new facility, replacing the Curry Pike building.
This summary was built from the meeting video and the official documents.
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Key Highlights
- 01Council approves agreement for new fire station financed by Richland Township.
- 02Council members criticized county commissioners' fire district expansion plans.
- 03Council moved $1,098.30 for the Fire Department's gas and oil expenses.
- 04Council approved encumbering 2025 funds for payment in early 2026.
- 05Council approved the town's meeting dates for 2026.
Written for residents
Summary
The agreement ensures Richland Township will finance the new facility, replacing the Curry Pike building.
The Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Richland Township and Rogers Group for a new fire station. Town Attorney Darla Brown explained that Richland Township will finance the station, located on a four-acre parcel at West Vernal Pike and North Hartstrait Road. The Council voted to strike out a section of the agreement to ensure the Township, not the Town, is responsible for the debt. This allows the Township to proceed with bond counsel discussions for the project.
Council members expressed strong concerns about actions by the Monroe County Commissioners. Council member William Ellis stated the Commissioners posted notice of their intent to expand the fire district, mentioning Ellettsville and Richland Township. He clarified that the Council has not discussed forming its own fire district and criticized the Commissioners for giving only three days' notice. Ellis warned residents that a county fire district could lead to increased taxes without additional services. Council President Scott Oldham added that residents of Bean Blossom Township are seeking annexation into Ellettsville due to the Commissioners' actions.
The Council approved Resolution 44-2025, moving $1,098.30 from the Fire Department's volunteer firefighter insurance line to its gas and oil line. This transfer will cover remaining expenses for the year. The Council also approved Resolution 45-2025, allowing all departments to encumber 2025 funds for payment at the beginning of 2026. Clerk Treasurer Noelle Conyer will provide a financial report on reverted funds in February.
Finally, the Council approved the town's meeting dates for 2026. Changes were made to accommodate holidays that fall on regularly scheduled meeting days.
The Receipts
Fiscal Decisions
Accounts Payable Vouchers and Payroll
Motion to approve the payment of Accounts Payable Vouchers and Payroll.
Resolution 44-2025 Transfer for Fire from Volunteer Insurance to Gas and Oil
Transfer of funds from the volunteer firefighter insurance line to the gas and oil line for the Fire Department to cover remaining expenses for the year.
Resolution 45-2025 Encumbrances for 2025
Approval for all departments to encumber 2025 monies to be paid at the beginning of 2026.
Memorandum of Understanding Between Richland Township, Town of Ellettsville and Rogers Group for a new Fire Station
Approval of an MOU for Richland Township to finance a new Fire Station for the Town of Ellettsville, to be located on a four-acre parcel at West Vernal Pike and North Hartstrait Road. Section eight, which would have involved the Town in the sublease agreement and potential debt, was struck out.
Also discussed
Budget Discussions (No Vote Taken)
Financial report on reverted funds from 2025 budget
Council member Dan Swafford requested a financial report in January or February to know how much money was reverted to the General Fund from the 2025 budget. Clerk Treasurer Noelle Conyer stated it would be closer to February to tie up all year-end encumbrances.