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Fire department, fire company raise question
(by Joan Demirjian - February 24, 2010)
Fire department, fire company raise question
By JOAN DEMIRJIAN
Bainbridge Trustees will look at the structure of the township fire department and its fire company.
Trustee Lorrie Benza was to meet with fire company President John Montville this week. She represents the trustees to the fire department.
Mrs. Benza responded to questions at Monday's Township Trustees meeting concerning the pros and cons of a fire company.
The township pays the company approximately $130,000 annually, and the question was raised whether a private fire company is really needed.
Responding to questions by residents, Trustee Matt Lynch said, "It is confusing" to have a fire department and fire company.
It would be appropriate for members of the fire company to meet with Township Trustees to discuss the contract between the township and fire company, Mr. Lynch said.
The fire company provides extra personnel, and the funds paid by the township are used to pay for training and salaries, he said.
First and foremost, trustees must analyze whether the fire company's assistance is needed, Mr. Lynch said. "The fire department and company should come in to explain the differences," he said. "I wonder if it serves a function," he said of the fire company.
A citizens committee might be needed to look at the issues, Mr. Lynch said.
The fire company's only source of revenue comes from taxpayers, Mr. Lynch said. "We should require an accounting once a year or more."
The funds used by the fire company pay for training and for salaries when the members are in training classes.
The fire company is audited annually by a private auditor, township Fiscal Officer Cheri Measures said.
Mrs. Benza said the information she brings back after talking to the fire company will be used to decide on a new three-year contract. There should be a public presentation to answer concerns, she said.
Trustees also are awaiting a consultant's report on recommendations for the fire-station-building renovations, Mrs. Benza said. She will talk with experts on functional architecture of fire stations for the best service to Bainbridge residents, she said.
Mr. Lynch said in response to questions if a fire company needs to be reviewed that trustees will be revisiting the issues.
Mrs. Benza said the fire company contract is set to expire, which is the reason for the review. Her meeting with Mr. Montville this week was to discuss the contract issues. The goal is to have an agreement in place by March, she said.
Mr. Lynch said residents look to Township Trustees for us to be fiscally responsible. "We have and an obligation to be responsible with the citizens' money. It is a significant expense," he said.
"I'm happy Trustee Benza will meet with them and come back with recommendations," Mr. Lynch said.
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