HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93011_1446 (2)Split 6/9 $10,000.00 $20,000.00
Class 7 $20,000.00 $35,000.00
Class 6 $20,000.00 $60,000.00
Class 5 $30,000.00 $85,000.00
• Increase the fire tax by 1 cent for a period of 3 years.
• This will provide funding for the rating performance increases as well as for funding
for capital projects and water supply.
• If at the end of the 3 years, there has not been at least 2 departments that have successfully
lowered their fire insurance rating class through a NCDOI ratings inspection, then the fire tax
rate will be reduced by 1 cent.
• That for every department successfully lowering its fire district insurance rating from a
9 to a 9/6 split, for a split rating to a straight rating, or lowers their straight rating, the fire tax
is increased by % of 1 cent the following fiscal year. If four departments are successful in
achieving a lower fire insurance rating in one year, the fire tax would increase 1 cent. This
would make the increases "performance" based. These increases in the fire tax would be offset
by the greater savings in fire insurance premiums the taxpayer would receive.
Tucker said a one -cent tax increase was denied last year, and the VFDs had been
challenged to come up with a formula. He said the Fire Tax District Board supported the plan.
Webster said the VFDs understood they had to "put up or shut up" to obtain the tax
increase.
County Manager Mashburn asked when the board desired to take action on the request.
Commissioner Williams asked when the tax value would be available.
Mashburn said a good estimate could be shared in April.
Commissioner Robertson asked which departments or districts were closest to achieving
the rating in year one.
Webster said the information could be obtained.
Mashburn suggested for the request to be placed on an April agenda when the total tax
rate could be shared.
Robertson asked, using a three-year timeframe, if a priority listing could be available in
April.
CTIOly Mashburn suggested for the request to be placed on the April 17 agenda. He
said Assistant County Manager Tracy Jackson and Fire Marshal Lloyd Ramsey could provide the
requested information at that time.
Goodman said the VFDs were doing their jobs, but personnel took much of the funding.
Phillips said the VFDs understood the fiscal issues, but they needed help. He said the
county taxpayers would benefit from the plan.
NORTH IREDELL TRAINING GROUND DISCUSSION: Gene Powers, with the
North Iredell Training Grounds Committee, said 14.14 acres were recently purchased, and there
was a $15,000 annual mortgage payment. He said the organization was in good financial
condition now, but difficulties might occur with the second and third payments. Powers said the
group had a plan for the property's use, and negotiations were occurring with the Fraternal Order
of Police (FOP) and Mitchell Community College. He said the group included Harmony,
Central, Wilkes/Iredell, Union Grove, Sheffield Callahan and the County -line VFDs, and any
group could join after paying a $1,000 fee. Powers said a 300 by 600 driving course would be
on the property and a drafting pit. He said the FOP wanted 1.5 acres, and if arrangements could
be worked out, this group would pay for the driving pad grading. Powers said the training
grounds group was not asking for money at this time.
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