It's an ongoing feud between the city of Niles, Howland, and Weathersfield Township.

It all began with Niles' plan to annex property from the township into the city.

The city is targeting portions of the township using city-operated utilities that include water and sewer services.

Niles is using its utility services as a bargaining device.

If residents choose not to cooperate, a Niles ordinance passed last year would make township residents pay an amount equal to the property tax they would pay if they annexed into the city.

Township residents, like those who showed up to the Niles City Council meeting, aren't happy.

The Howland Township Fire Department is also concerned.

They said if residents are annexed into Niles, EMS response times will increase.

"With having four ambulances in our township as opposed to one in the city, we could be at your door within five minutes, almost guaranteed," said Howland Professional Firefighters Local 2786 President Randy Stottlemire. "They can't technically guarantee that with their staffing."

The Union President says even if people are not in the areas affected by the annexation, they should still consider the consequences.

"Because our tax revenues decreased at that point, other areas of the township could receive a decreased level of services because of layoffs and anything that would come with losing 25 percent of our revenue because of annexation."

Niles Mayor Steve Mientkiewicz isn't backing down.

We spoke with him at the city council meeting Wednesday night.

He said response times and services would be no issues.

"I have no doubt in my mind that we will respond within a timely manner," said Mayor Mientkiewicz.

Some township officials have said the mayor isn't working with them and are calling this a land grab.

"It's very sad the false information that is being displayed and the false narrative the township trustees are painting right now."