Muncie Fire Station Consolidations

MUNCIE, IN -  Since March of 2008 the City of Muncie has been aware of significant revenue loss due to property tax reform.  Every department funded through the general fund has been challenged to find savings by determining core services and providing those services through efficiencies, technology and potential revenue streams. 

Last year no raises were given to City of Muncie employees.   

All city employees now have e-mail addresses which will provide efficiencies in relating information.  Training will be provided to all employees that need updated skills for using technology in their respective departments. 

Take home vehicles were restricted to employees who were most likely to be called out. 

An analysis was completed on all city-owned property with the goal of finding opportunities for generating revenue and reducing inventory. 

The Office of the Building Commissioner updated fees that were last reviewed 20 years ago and is generating revenue commensurate with services provided.  The Building Commissioner’s office is now overseeing Weed Control as well. 

The Animal Shelter also has updated fee schedules and is restricting its services to aiding the citizens of Muncie in regard to dogs and cats and carcass removal from streets.  Wildlife calls are referred to the private sector.  Staff has been reduced as well. 

The Office of the Controller is implementing new software that will provide efficiencies to payroll, asset management, and accounts payable. 

The Health Insurance Administrator of the Muncie Sanitary District and the City’s Office of Human Resources continue to collaborate by sharing staffing resources. Future applicants for part-time employment will able to apply on-line soon. 

The Office of the Mayor is continuously updating the website to provide on-line data often requested by the public.  The Deputy Mayor has assumed the responsibility of Project Manager, a position that is federally mandated. 

The Police Department reduced staffing levels, streamlined administrative services with the use of technology and made cost-saving changes to fleet use. 

The above-mentioned changes did provide significant savings.  However, at this time we need to start digging deeper.  As we plan for the $3.8 million loss, consideration was given to the locations of the stations and how the community could be best served.  Station 1 will be consolidated into Station 3.  Station 4 will be consolidated into Station 2.   

The considerations were as follows: 

Station 1

Stations 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 will respond to Station 1’s territory.  The life of the facility is limited, as the structure is not designed to hold heavy vehicles and the wear and tear over the years has been significant and will require costly and significant repairs and updating .  Administrative offices will be relocated to City Hall.  This consolidation will be complete by July 30th. 

Station 4

Station 2 will respond to calls in Station 4’s territory.  This station has the least amount of calls within the city limits.

This consolidation will be completed within 30 days.

Source: Muncie City Hall