SB 549 Summary

• Fire departments of all townships and fire protection territories in Marion County are consolidated into the consolidated city's fire department on a date set by the mayor, no later than January 1, 2015.

• Excluded cities may voluntarily consolidate their fire departments into the consolidated city's fire department with approval from both the excluded city's and consolidated city's legislative bodies.

• The consolidated city's maximum property tax levy for 2014 increases by the combined 2013 fire protection levies of consolidating entities, with corresponding decreases to those entities' levies.

• For up to three years after consolidation, the consolidated city may levy taxes above the maximum to phase out borrowing for fire and emergency services in affected townships and excluded cities.

• Property, equipment, records, and rights of consolidated fire departments transfer to the consolidated city; firefighter employees meeting minimum standards become employees of the consolidated fire department; indebtedness remains with originating entities.