MERRILLVILLE | Ross Township Fire Service Chief Perry Herzog told the Town Council on Tuesday that if the town doesn't pay past due funds in the next 30 days, the Fire Service may have to shut its doors.

Herzog said the town owes the service more than $240,000 for its 2008 contract. He said the money has been due since June 30.

"We won't be able to operate (without it)," Herzog said.

Town Councilman Richard Hardaway, who also is the chairman of the town's Budget and Finance Committee, said he is looking into the situation to help the service cover its expenses.

In January, the town owed the service more than $400,000 for its 2007 contract, but the town was quickly able to pay the money after receiving tax anticipation warrant revenue.

In addition to receiving the past due funds, Herzog wants the town to increase the service's 2009 budget by $25,000.

Herzog said the service's operational costs continue to increase.

He said the service spends more than $100,000 per year in maintenance costs and from $2,000 to $3,000 a month for fuel.

Herzog also wanted to know when the Town Council will vote on an ordinance increasing fees for false fire alarms.

The service responds to many false alarms and some occur at the same location multiple times a week.

Herzog said a stiffer penalty is needed because the service is wasting money when it responds to a false alarm. Councilmen have said false alarms also create safety issues.

Town councilmen have discussed an updated false alarm ordinance but have yet to vote on it.