BUTLER TWP — The township commissioners will hold a special meeting March 12 to decide the most equitable way to divide up the $328,422 designated for fire protection.

Traditionally, fire funds in the township budget had been divided among the five volunteer fire departments. But in 2013, the Meridian, Lyndora and Greenwood Village departments merged into one department, Butler Township Fire District No. 3.

In 2014, 60 percent of the fire protection money, then $318,857, was allocated to the Fire District No. 3. The remaining 40 percent was split between the Mercer Road and the South Butler departments.

Township manager Ed Kirkwood said at that time that Butler Township Fire District No. 3 still was supporting the three original fire stations and all the apparatus and equipment that accompanied them.

But, Kirkwood said, recently some equipment and the former Greenwood Village station on Old Eberhart Road were sold, which lowered the department’s maintenance and insurance costs.

So now the township commissioners must decide the fairest way to divide the total fire budget.

Noting that each of the departments is in a different section of the township, Kirkwood said “we need to keep them all in a viable financial state.”

In addition to the commissioners and township Fire Marshal Larry Christy, the departments’ chiefs and administrative officers have been invited to this meeting. The public also is welcome.

It will be at 6:30 p.m. at the township municipal building, 290 S. Duffy Road.

The commissioners could vote that night on the issue.