HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93009_2104REQUEST FROM TROUTMAN FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT FOR THE
APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION FOR THE FINANCING OF UP TO $450,000 FOR A
FIRE STATION RENOVATION PROJECT: Commissioner Bowles said he had serious
concerns about fire departments or non-profit organizations going too far in debt. Mr. Bowles said
the Troutman VFD had a 40-year note on its building. Bowles said his concern was about the
sovereignty of some of the organizations and that Iredell County would be responsible for providing
fire protection if financial problems occurred.
Chairman Haire asked if the fire department could borrow the money if the county did not
approve it. The county manager said the fire department could, but it wouldn't be with tax exempt
financing.
Commissioner Stewart said the fire commission did not make any allocations to the
Troutman VFD for payments on the building. She mentioned the budgets for the fire departments
were increased by three percent and it was understood by all VFDs that the fire commission would
not increase budgets for note payments. The fire commission has said that $150,000 was all that
would be budgeted for new fire trucks. If a more expensive truck is ordered, it will be up to the
individual department to pay the remaining cost. Stewart said some departments had asked for a
full time fire employee in their budgets.
Commissioner Fortner said that as the county grew, there seemed a greater likelihood of
paid firemen in the future.
Commissioner Bowles said he could understand the departments with the highest call volume
having a paid fireman, but he was not comfortable funding full-time employees unless they came
under the supervision of the manager.
MOTION by Commissioner Fortner to approve the resolution for the Troutman Volunteer
Fire Department for the purpose of allowing the tax exempt status for the financing.
Commissioner Stewart mentioned that the Troutman VFD did not obtain approval from the
fire commission for its present building. She said the fire department did not have to seek the fire
commission's approval.
Commissioner Bowles said he recalled that when he served as the Chairman of the Fire
Commission a memo was sent to all departments stating that any capital improvements, or any major
capital money to be spent, would have to be presented to the fire commission for approval.
VOTING: Ayes - 4; Nays - 1 (Bowles).
REQUEST FROM WEST IREDELL WATER CORPORATION FOR THE COUNTY
TO APPLY FOR $330,225 IN WATER GRANT FUNDS: MOTION by Commissioner Stewart
to approve West Iredell Water Corporation's request for the county to apply for $330,225 in water
grant funds and to adopt the following resolution.
VOTING: Ayes - 5; Nays - 0.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Federal Clean Water Act Amendments of 1987, the Federal Safe Drinking
Water Act Amendments of 1996, and the North Carolina Clean Water Revolving Loan and Grant
Act of 1987 authorized the making of loans and grants to aid eligible units of government in
financing the cost of construction of wastewater treatment works, wastewater collection systems, and
water supply systems; and
WHEREAS, Iredell County has a need for and intends to construct a water supply system