BC 2011 06 06 Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

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June 6, 2011 (Work Session) Page 464 By consensus, the Board generally agreed to not include Harrisburg's request for a 2 cent fire tax rate increase in the proposed FY 12 budget. Discussion for Fire District Tax Rates - Mt. Pleasant Rural Adrian Cox, Mt. Pleasant Town Administrator, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to re- address the Board. In response to Mr. Cox's presentation on May 31 where a 1.5 cent fire tax rate increase was requested, Chairman White questioned a disparity of Mt. Pleasant's rural fire district funding of 75 percent to 25 percent in the town limits. Mr. Cox requested a proportional share of the funding for the Mt. Pleasant rural area. He also distributed copies and reviewed the following map of the Mt. Pleasant Fire Protection Area: Mt. Pleasant IFire Protection Area Further, Mr. Cox addressed contractual services provided by the Department, certifications of personnel and noted increased costs associated with replacement of personal protection equipment, replacement of capital, etc. He and Bobby Smith, Emergency Management Director, also responded to questions from the Board. Vice Chairman Poole expressed support for completing the countywide fire study before implementing a tax increase. Following discussion, the Board agreed to not include Mt. Pleasant's request for a fire tax rate increase of 1.5 cents in the proposed FY 12 budget, by consensus. Discussion for Fire District Tax Rates - Odell Jake Williams, Odell Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief, and Robbin Myers, Board Treasurer, were present to provide supplemental information to their May 31 presentation that included a request for a 3 cent fire tax rate increase. Ms. Myers reported on the need for additional staffing and noted the Department's objectives to lower I.S.O. (Insurance Services Office, Inc.) ratings could be met with only a 2 cent increase. Chief Williams commented on the Departments willingness to do what is best for the County and their proposed water shuttle operation. Steve Langer, Fire Marshal, commented on the ISO rating process and advised staffing is a key part in the points the department receives in trying to lower its rating. He also stated all the fire departments utilize the drop tank operation.