Friday, March 28, 2008
Fire Departments Facing Uncertain Futures In Pike County
Rising costs have made the future of 25 Pike County volunteer fire departments uncertain, according to Firefighter Association President Randy Courtney. He says costs to operate have tripled in the past several years.
The cost of equipment must be approved by NFPA and items cost more than in the past. The Island Creek department sends out letters each year asking for $35 to help and they want to make it mandatory throughout the county.
The say the price is cheap, compared to losing a home. Fire officials plan to propose the fee ordinance to the fiscal court within a month.
They're considering incentives like discounts on water and trash bills to recruit new volunteer firefighters.
The cost of equipment must be approved by NFPA and items cost more than in the past. The Island Creek department sends out letters each year asking for $35 to help and they want to make it mandatory throughout the county.
The say the price is cheap, compared to losing a home. Fire officials plan to propose the fee ordinance to the fiscal court within a month.
They're considering incentives like discounts on water and trash bills to recruit new volunteer firefighters.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:43 AM 
