Culver-Union Township Fire Chief Terry Wakefield asked for the Culver Town Council’s approval on a Length of Service Awards Program for firefighters.
Initially, it will be a buy back program for the first five years. He noted that a firefighter can only qualify for the Length of Service Awards Program retirement fund if he or she has been with the fire department for 10 years and completes the necessary training and classes to remain eligible. When the firefighter turns the age of 65 then he or she may benefit from the fund.
He previously explained to the Culver Town Council that he discussed setting up the fund with Clerk-Treasurer Karen Heim and the insurance company. The fund is specifically available to volunteer fire departments. He budgeted $15,000 for this year, however the cost of the program for the first five years is approximately $38,000. After five years, the cost would decrease annually, based on the number of firefighters participating in the program.
Union Township Trustee Marlene Mahler said she will help with a third of the cost with funds in her budget, and the fire department will pick up a third of the cost, and he asked if the town could pick up a third of the cost. Mahler pointed out if there is money left over in the repair budget that money could be applied toward the cost to catch up funding. That will be looked at when the budget is reviewed at the end of the year. Overall, Mahler said the Union Township Advisory Board was in support of the program.
Town Manager Ginny Bess Munroe supported the program as it is a retention benefit, and many firefighters do not have an opportunity to apply for a retirement program so this would be a good situation for those who would qualify.
The council members had some additional clarifying questions about the program, but they approved the initiation of the program with a unanimous vote.
