Fire District Or Tax Suggested To Support Snowflake Fire Service

Hancock made a presentation explaining that the National Fire Protection Association has established standards that protect firefighters, agencies and towns from lawsuits by providing fire prevention and suppression standards, training standards, equipment standards and life safety standards.

He then explained the Insurance Service Office (ISO) ratings, which specifically relate to property and homeowner/business insurance premiums. They have a 1 to 10 rating, with 10 being the worst and SFD’s rating is at the low end of 6. In 2002 they were received 45.77 percent, and there is concern they could be rated again this year, which could make the ISO rating even higher.

Hancock said that 30 years ago they were the best on the mountain and today they are the worst, because they have become complacent about maintaining their status quo.

“Equipment plays a big role in ISO standards,” said Hancock. The SFD’s number one engine is a 1997 model that pumps 1,250 gallons of water per minute. Their second out engine is 27 years old. According to NFPA standards, equipment should not be in service after 25 years, but they have a two-year leeway.

There are problems with the pipes, parking lot and second story at the fire house, which will impact the ISO rating, and of the $280,000 budget, $80,000 goes directly to the original cost of the building. Chief Hancock acknowledged that the fire station would help lower the rating.

The new ISO inspection is due at any time and most likely the rating will go up to an 8 or possibly a 9, which will cause an increase in insurance premiums for homeowners.

“If we are to maintain an active and viable fire service in Snowflake, things must change,” said Chief Hancock, who presented three options to the council.

With Option 1 they would stop responding out of the town limits beginning July 1, unless the reporting party has a paid subscription, which would save an estimated $25,000 per year. “Considering the department’s dire budgetary issues, this amount is almost insignificant,” said the chief, who said he felt that Option 1 was not realistic.

Option 2 would be to form a fire district. He explained that they already pay over $30,000 a year in Fire District Assistance Tax (FDAT) and the $280,000 budget would revert back to the town budget.

Option 3 would be a municipal fire tax with the funding being generated by taxing the citizens, but the town council would maintain control. Hancock pointed out that the FDAT money would still be paid by citizens, but they would not receive benefit from it.

Chief Hancock asked that the options of a fire district, a municipal fire tax or both be on a ballot next year to allow citizens to decide what direction they would like to go. He said he felt citizens would pay higher insurance premiums or a fire district tax.

In response to a question posed by Mayor Kelly Willis, Hancock explained that they would decide the boundaries of the district, which could include Snowflake town limits, or include other towns and areas.

“I appreciate his (Chief Hancock’s) enthusiasm in this,” said Town Manager Paul Watson. “I believe our budget is too low and we just get by, but we do that with every department in the town and in tough economic times, that’s what you have to do.

“In my opinion, forming a district makes sense in a lot of ways,” he said, explaining that if they looked seriously at the service area and future planning for the industrial development and other activities, and those were included in the district, it would obviously help offset the costs to the individual person.

“There are reasons why you would look at a district beyond the boundaries of the town,” said Watson. “The concept of looking at one district that serves the region makes a lot of sense to me.

“The downside, and what you’ve all alluded to, is there seems to be a lack of oversight and control when a district is formed. They do have an elected board that is responsible for the district.”

Watson said he felt there were really two options, one was the fire district, and the other was creation of an emergency services tax or fire tax. He noted that this was an initial presentation.

Chief Hancock said that he would like time to educate the public.

“The problem I see is everything the city has, police, fire, roads, everybody is understaffed and underequipped,” said Mayor Kelly Willis.

“We’re in a situation right now that’s almost impossible. Somehow we’re going to have to weather this thing, because when you start looking at new taxes…,” said Mayor Willis.

“We’re here to explore the options. I want to hear from our lawyer about what it takes to do these three things,” said Councilman Tom Poscharsky.

“Our only intention was to present to you what we see as viable options,” said Watson. “I absolutely agree, there’s more homework to do.”

“I think we got the message loud and clear, we’ve got to do something,” said Mayor Willis. “It’s heartbreaking to me to see the needs we have and not have the means to do anything about it. It’s hard to sit in a community where you’re just scratching to get anything done, but I have great faith that things are going to turn around and get better.”

Many firefighters were present in support of Chief Hancock, and Mayor Willis said to them, “We know you’re working under trying conditions. You’re great people and we applaud you. You have a great chief and we applaud him. We’re going to do our best to help you out.”

Chief Hancock with pride said that there are 10 firefighters certified in confined space rescue and in ropes one, two and three, and they are working to have those 10 certified in swift water rescue.

Councilman Jason Whiting asked Chief Hancock to prepare an outline for proposed options two and three.

The council agreed that this should go to the public for a vote.