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HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93011_1549 (2)Commissioner Williams asked if the VFD had a fund balance. Mr. Troutman said there was a $100,000 credit line at BB&T. He said the department planned to (1) re -do the concrete apron (2) there were annual truck payments and (3) turnout gear needed to be replaced. Troutman mentioned the VFD wanted better insurance ratings, and a property purchase in the Fern Hill Road area for a substation was being considered. He mentioned the Town of Troutman had finally "stepped up to the plate" in paying for fire service. Mr. Troutman said that if B&F had its own taxing district, the $2 million request from the county -wide fire service district would be withdrawn. Commissioner Johnson cautioned the department about making any long-term commitments. Commissioner Williams asked the Fire Tax District Board (FTDB) members their opinions on the loss of the $226,000 if Troutman left the county -wide service district. Jeff Tucker said the FTDB would have to make do with approximately $300,000 less. He said the extra penny being requested was seed money, and it would have a separate fund balance. Commissioner Williams said there wasn't enough money to address truck needs. Frank Phillips said the FTDB would review what was needed for the trucks. He said the Lake Norman VFD had an agreement with the county that it wouldn't leave the county -wide district until the new building's debt was paid. Tucker said the past method for truck replacement was on a 20 -year cycle, but a better system was needed. OTIO by Commissioner Williams to hold a fire tax district referendum for the Barringer & Fallstown (B & F) District in November of 2007. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. Commissioner Johnson said at some point, a couple of commissioners needed to visit with the Troutman VFD officials and outline what would be expected. He said the department would no longer be guided by the FTDB, rather the board of commissioners would provide this oversight. DISCUSSION ON COUNTY -WIDE FIRE DISTRICT: Blumenstein said a $4,152,250 budget had been requested by the FTDB, and it was based on a tax rate of five cents. Commissioner Tice said the extra penny was not incorporated into the request. Blumenstein said this was correct. Tucker said it was the Fire Tax District Board's understanding that the commissioners, through consensus, were in agreement with the penny increase. Phillips said the penny would go into an escrow account. He said the budget submitted by the FTDB for the county -wide departments was for operational expenses. Commissioner Williams asked if the other departments had submitted a plan similar to the Troutman VFD. Andy Webster said the actual request made at the Winter Planning Session was to first increase the fire tax by one cent for a three-year period. He said another incentive, if the departments succeeded in obtaining lower ratings, was the '/4 of one -cent fire tax increase. Ken Jumey said a map was needed from the tax office regarding water. He said then, when the FTDB came before the commissioners asking for a truck, the information would justify the request.