WARSAW — Business focused on the future as the Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory Board discussed the 2019 budget during the meeting held Tuesday, July 10.

The 2019 budgets were presented to board members for review. The board will vote on the budgets during the August meeting and are encouraged to come to Wilson with any questions. The budgets will then be present to the Warsaw Common Council on Aug. 20.

The fire-territory funds are separated into four budgets including the operating fund, equipment replacement fund, fire pension fund and hazardous materials response fund. The operating fund is up 7.9 percent from last year’s budget. This increase includes operating costs for Station 3 and wage increases determined by the wage committee. The equipment replacement fund is up 65.04 percent from last year. This increase is due to the replacement of squad 13-4, which is estimated to cost around $750,000. This replacement is due in 2019 according to the department’s 10-year plan.

Station 3 will be officially introduced to the community during an open house ceremony and dedication in August. The event will include a flag raising, dedication by Warsaw Mayor Joseph Thallemer, remarks from others involved with the fire department and a hose uncoupling ceremony. A hose uncoupling ceremony is a firefighting tradition that replaces the ribbon cutting. The ceremony will end with the first firetrucks being placed inside the station’s bay. All are welcome and the exact date will be published soon.

It was noted that the unique partnership with Lutheran EMS and Station 3 is moving along smoothly. For the first time, a Lutheran EMS ambulance will be parked inside a Warsaw fire station and the paramedics will have their own living space. Fire Chief Mike Wilson described this as a win-win for the departments and the community. Because the two entities will be working alongside one another, they will be able to cut down on run volumes due to better communication.

The two departments are currently working up an agreement for Lutheran EMS to reimburse the fire department for their living expenses, like a rental or lease agreement. It was noted that this is the usual practice Lutheran EMS has taken when using a building they do not own.

In other news:

• The board approved all May fund reports.
• Pay application #10 to Mosaic Building Solutions, Fort Wayne, for $297,338 was approved. This is payment for ongoing work on Station 3.
• The board approved a generator maintenance agreement with Cummins Crosspoint. The agreement was the same as last year.
• The board approved Max Kinsey to apply for a National Fire Protection Association Education scholarship. If received, this would fund all costs associated with educational training related to exterior grass/wild land fires.
• It was noted that since the department started carrying NARCAN for overdoses in June, there have been three successful saves. This only includes saves made by fire department personnel.
• Three travel requests were approved.