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Mr. Snoddy stated about $10 per foot. It depends on utilities
in the area.
Commissioner Stewart stated it was her understanding that
having the fire hydrants reduces insurance rates.
Mr. Snoddy stated this is correct and they receive requests to
install hydrants. He advises some residents to privately go in
together and buy the hydrant providing it can be used by Iredell
Water and the fire departments.
Chairman Haire stated it was her understanding that the
installation of hydrants wouldn't reduce rates outside the city
limits -- that everything in the county was listed as a Class Nine.
Mr. Snoddy said they were basically asking for hydrants because
these were nonrevenue producing items. Iredell Water is self-
supporting. The last hydrants (2) that were installed by this
company were in 1988, and one was paid for by Trinity VFD and the
other was paid for by the Tilley Family on Jennings Road.
Mr. Snoddy stated that a tank purchased in 1981 was funded by
Iredell County. He has only an estimate of what a new tank would
cost. He would like for the commissioners to make a commitment to
fund the tank either fully or partially. A tank was erected in
1984 and it cost $234,000. The tank he is requesting now would be
about 30 ft. higher. This will be a pedestal type tank that looks
like a bowl. The height maintains the pressure.
Commissioner Boone stated that the nine hydrants at $1300
would equal $11,700, out of a $1.5 million loan application to
FmHA, which is less than 8/10's of 18 of the total amount of the
loan, and that he didn't think this would have any discernable
effect on the rates.
Mr. Snoddy said this was true looking at it dollar for dollar.
However, he and and his board looked at the fire tax that everyone
pays in the County. He stated they provide water service to at
least eleven different VFDs. Mr. Snoddy said their feeling was
that the citizens were already paying the fire tax and it was fair
that some of the money go back into their area.
Commissioner Boone stated the Fire Commission discussed this
matter several weeks ago. No formal action was taken, however,
there was some consensus that on new lines that it be encouraged to
ask FmHA to pay for hydrants, but on existing lines that a priority
list be devised. When fire tax money is available, the priority
list would be used to gradually put hydrants on existing lines.
Commissioner Stewart said it was disturbing to watch fire
tankers go up and down the road filling up with water.
Mr. Snoddy said this was true and it was really senseless for
Iredell Water to have six-inch lines installed with storage
capacity for hydrants at strategic locations. He said it would be
cheaper to install the hydrants now than waiting. It will take
about $200 or $300 more if they are installed after the lines are
placed. He is making a formal request to seek funding for nine
hydrants, because they must be drawn on the maps so that when the
bids are let, the contractors will know the number of hydrants to
be installed.
Chairman Haire asked for a clarification on where the funding
for the hydrants should be withdrawn, if approved.
The county manager stated it probably would be proper for the
Fire Commission to evaluate the need for the nine hydrants,
however, the commissioners serve as the governing body for the Fire
Commission, so it is the commissioners' prerogative. The money can
be taken from any source available.
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