HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93010_0130 (2)parts to fit the current packs were no longer available. He said the older packs were heavy, and the
newer ones were much lighter. He continued by saying the department wanted to buy enough of the
same brand and to discontinue using the other packs. This way, the firemen would not run the risk
of entering a burning house and forget which pack they were using.
Mr. McClain said the budget included $75,000 for a first year payment on a new building.
He said the department had space available at the rear of the present site (7 acres). McClain said the
department had 400 calls a year and none of these were First Responder calls.
The department requested $25,000 for reimbursement to the firemen for fire calls. Payments,
per call to the firemen, would be $6.00. The calls have to be made from ECOM and only active
firemen in good standing will be eligible for reimbursement. The reimbursements will be paid on
a quarterly basis.
Commissioner Bowles asked if the $6 was what the municipalities paid for volunteer
assistance.
Robinson said yes.
Bowles asked about the Therma Imager costing $18,000.
Robinson said there was a hand-held type and a helmet type. He said the imager allowed the
firement see in smoke- -that body heat could be detected.
Robinson then talked about annexation concerns and the reimbursement formula used by
municipalities. He was told that the county assessor updated valuation figures each month and that
he should telephone if he had questions. Robinson also talked about the need for training grounds.
He said seven V FDs could use a training area. He mentioned that perhaps the Shepherds VFD could
build and own the grounds. Then, the other departments could use the grounds on a contractual
basis.
Commissioner Johnson asked the term for the building note.
McClain said they were still in the preliminary stage. He said the note would be for ten
years. He added that two tankers would soon be paid off, and there were two more payments on a
tandem. McClain said the Town of Mooresville had already agreed to run water and sewer and there
would not be a charge for water usage. Also, the Town would fund three hydrants.
Johnson asked if some of the equipment needs could be prioritized and spread out over a
three or four-year period.
McClain said the department needed the equipment because some of it was cut last year.
Robinson said the equipment could help the department achieve a better ISO rating.
Johnson referred to a past fire tax increase for the Mt. Mourne VFD. He said the
department had a plan for the additional tax money, and there was also a plan to lower the taxes.
Johnson mentioned that Mt. Mourne did eventually reduce the tax rate. He noted the Shepherd
VFD was asking to increase its district's tax rate, but a plan was not available.
Commissioner Bowles noted that the Shepherd's tax district generated more money than
what was actually appropriated to the VFD.
Blumenstein said this was correct. She said the accumulated interest, however, was given to
the department. Blumenstein said that one cent in the district generated $66,075.