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Fire-company party becomes a hot topic
(by Joan Demirjian - March 03, 2010)
Fire-company party becomes a hot topic
By JOAN DEMIRJIAN
A Bainbridge resident questioned funding for a party held by the Bainbridge Fire Company.
Resident Gina Zahn told Township Trustees Monday the fire company held a holiday party last December, and she questioned using fire company money for the event. "It's my understanding that is public money," she said.
The township pays the fire company approximately $130,000 each year for services to the township.
However, Trustee Matt Lynch said the fire company has a small amount, under $10,000, that is generated through fund-raising events and individual donations. It was his understanding the party event was funded out of that money.
Mrs. Zahn said, with the current economy, the expenditure for a party is very concerning. Everyone is supposed to be tightening their belts, she said.
The discussion Monday also led to questions about the function of the fire company.
Trustee Lorrie Benza said she is preparing a presentation on the fire company and representatives of the fire company are to attend the March 15 trustees' meeting.
Fire companies are private entities, Mrs. Benza said. If the trustees contract with a private entity, the township can't say they are not allowed to have parties, she said.
Fire Chief Brian Phan has said no public money was used for the party, according to Mr. Lynch. And, he said, the township's annual payment to the fire company is used primarily for training and payroll.
Mr. Lynch said he will look forward to learning more about the fire company and its functions.
Resident Melody Tewksbury said having two different entities, the fire company and fire department, is confusing.
Mr. Lynch said they hope to end that confusion on March 15. "They (the fire company) can answer any and all questions," he said.
Mrs. Benza said she is confident a fuller discussion can take place on the functions of the fire company and the interaction between the township and the fire company and fire department.
John Montville is the fire company president and is preparing the presentation, Mrs. Benza said.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Mr. Montville said the fire company is a private, nonprofit company. It is not part of the township government.
"Similar to a subcontractor, the fire company contracts with the township to provide services related to the township's fire and rescue needs," Mr. Montville said.
"In exchange for the services, the township pays the fire company a contracted amount," he said.
"Prior to contracting with the township, the fire company held fund-raisers to get income for the fire company," Mr. Montville said. "Current fire company fund-raisers are held to benefit local charities.
"Although not solicited, the fire company does still receive donations. Additionally, the fire company receives some investment income," he said.
"One of the many aspects of the fire company is that it is responsible for the morale and brotherhood of its volunteer members, both present and retired, for their dedication and service over the years," he said.
"The fire company's main social event, held around the winter holiday season, is a long-standing tradition where the fire company rewards the spouses, or significant others, of volunteer members for allowing them to participate in this manner," Mr. Montville said.
"Additionally, this annual event is used as an opportunity to present awards for years of service and exemplary service," he said. "Many area civic organizations and service-related associations have a similar annual event.
"The fire company respectfully disagrees that the recent holiday social event was paid for with township funds. No request for payment was submitted to the township, nor would one ever be presented," Mr. Montville said.
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