The Paint Creek Joint EMS/Fire District Board issued a statement Wednesday saying that the board is taking no position on whether the City of Hillsboro should join the district as a member or continue its agreement under a contractual arrangement.

During its Sept. 17 meeting, “board members present felt that it was important they they make it known that it is their desire to take no position” on the question, according to a statement provided by fire chief David Manning to The Times-Gazette.

“Regardless of the decision that is made, the Paint Creek Joint EMS & Fire District will continue to provide the high-quality professional and courteous services” to local residents, the statment said.

The statement included the names of board members who were present, including president Dan Mathews, vice-president Ron Ward, and members Grant Palmer, Robert Wiley, Randy Mustard, Dick Barrera and Chad Frazier.

Hillsboro City Council is examining whether to continue its annual contractual arrangement with Paint Creek, or join the district as a member, which would give the city a vote on district issues but also impose an additional 5.5 mill property tax increase in Hillsboro. Joining the district would save the city about $570,000 annually in the General Fund.

A special council meeting is scheduled for Oct. 20 to discuss the matter.