The annual meeting was held on Wednesday night and the budget for the next fiscal year, starting September 1, including expenses for those items was presented and approved.
The District Board of Engineers Chairman, Kevin Gallup, stated that the struggling economy affects the citizens' attitude about taxes. So the Board of Engineers worked hard to keep the budget as lean as possible.
The bottom line is that the District will be improving its infrastructure and equipment while reducing the annual budget by 5.8%. That is certainly good news for people worried about the tax impact of the new station.
Chairman Gallup explained how the Board of Engineers has worked hard over the last several years to minimize yearly budget fluctuations. For example, in the past the purchase of a new fire truck would result in a major tax increase for one year. Now trucks are bought with a lease/purchase arrangement which spreads the cost over 4 years. While a new truck (Engine 812) will be bought next year, we are just making the final payment on Engine 713 so the money spent on major purchases will remain flat.
Gallup also revealed a major savings in the new Cross' Mills station. While some in town criticized any construction during a economic downturn, the new building was badly needed, contributed to jobs, and it counted as a economic stimulus project because of when it was built. That resulted in a lower interest rate on the mortgage which will save the taxpayers $30,000 each year for the 40 year mortgage.
And as you are paying your tax bill keep in mind that it is as low as it is because your firefighters are all volunteers. Your District always needs more volunteers so think about contributing.
Author: Tom Ferrio