Appropriations Requests for : Central Cass Interlocal Fire Department

1. Cosponsoring legislators:

• Jonathan Lindsey

Recipient Information

2. Intended legislatively directed spending item recipient:

Central Cass Interlocal Fire Department

3. Physical address of legislatively directed spending item recipient and the intended location of the project or activity:

23201 M-60, Cassopolis, MI 49031

4. The recipient's employer identification number:

35-2408029

Funding Details

5. Requested amount of the legislatively directed spending item:

$470,000.00

6. What is the purpose and how does the legislatively directed spending item provide a public benefit that is an appropriate use of taxpayer money?

The requested funding will be used to assist the Central Cass Interlocal Fire Department in the purchase of a new fire truck (pumper truck) to replace a truck currently in service that is over 30 years old. Due to its age, the existing pumper truck has become increasingly unreliable, costly to maintain, and no longer meets modern safety and operational standards required for effective emergency response. The department serves both LaGrange Township and Jefferson Township, providing essential services including fire suppression, medical response, accident response, and severe weather response such as straight-line winds and tornadoes that have become more prevalent in recent years in our region. It also maintains mutual aid agreements with surrounding jurisdictions, making it a critical component of regional emergency response in Southwest Michigan. The total cost of the new fire truck is approximately $920,000. The participating Townships and Fire Department have demonstrated strong local commitment by saving and appropriating $450,000 toward the purchase. However, both Townships are currently managing ongoing financial obligations, including payments on the jointly owned fire department facility and an existing fire truck (water rehab & water rescue truck), with approximately three (3) years remaining on those commitments. Additionally, Jefferson Township recently sought voter approval to fund ambulance services, reflecting the increasing financial demands on small rural communities. The Townships are committed to maintaining essential services while avoiding additional tax burdens on their residents. This project provides a clear public benefit by improving the reliability and timeliness of emergency response, enhancing firefighter safety, and ensuring continued protection of life and property within both Townships and surrounding mutual aid communities. A modern fire truck will reduce maintenance related downtime, improve operational efficiency, and ensure compliance with current safety standards. Funding this request represents a prudent and responsible use of taxpayer dollars, leveraging significant local investment while strengthening critical public safety infrastructure.

7. Has the legislatively directed spending item previously received or been awarded any of the following types of funding in the past 5 years?

✓ Yes: Local Funding

Amount received: $450,000.00

8. Estimated time frame for completion of the legislatively directed spending item project:

The Fire Department could purchase a new truck by November 2026.

Additional Information For Nonprofit Corporations

9. Is the recipient a nonprofit corporation?

Yes

4. Officers and active members on the board of directors:

Central Cass Interlocal Fire Department Fire Chief, Jeff Locke Central Cass Interlocal Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief, Oliver Fiala Dean Hass Harold Eltzroth Paul File Todd McMichael Edward Gogol

Certification By Sponsoring Legislator

• "I certify that my immediate family members, legislative staff members, and I have no direct or indirect pecuniary interest in the requested legislatively directed spending item."
• "I certify that the intended recipient of this legislatively directed spending item is not a for-profit entity."
• "I certify that the information in this form is true to the best of my knowledge."

Senator Jonathan Lindsey