It’s still unclear how the Riverside Fire Department’s finances will be handled in the future. Earlier this year, city officials were notified that changes needed to be made so that tax dollars from the townships the department serves can be audited.

City Administrator Rusty Rogerson says the department could go through the process of forming a non-profit corporation, let the city handle its funds, or enter into a 28-E agreement with Riverside and the townships. The matter was discussed at a work session held Tuesday.

According to Rogerson, the fire department recently filed the paperwork to form a non-profit association. He explains this was done for fundraising purposes, as proceeds from an event like a pancake breakfast can’t be mixed with tax dollars. Non-profit status would also make donations made to the department tax-deductible. It needs approval from the Secretary of State’s office before it becomes official, which could take up to four weeks.