Minutes - 19740625 - Laserfiche WebLink

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r..L.~2 R. B. Williams Assistant Fire Chief, stated "No one will come to your rescue". He pointed out that it is a legal matter and that the fire department cannot answer a call in an unauthorized area.. He stated that he had no choice in the matter regardless of what his personal feelings might be. ~ Mrs. Christian stated that she is definitely in favor of being taken into the fire district. Len $onanno of Briarcliff asked "who approves the building of subdivisions _. that does not provide fire protection". Chairman Walker replied, "that the Board of Commissioners had to approve subdividion plats, however, Orange county has areas that are without fire protection, but that certain rural fire districts had been established during the past few years. Frank Loda asked "if you take the Oaks and Briarcliff if it would cost any extra money". Ms. McSwain replied, "No'.'. Mr. Loda then stated, "I cannot under-. stand this and it is not equitable". Chairman Walker then requested the representatives £rem Briarcliff to raise their hands. The Clerk counted twenty four (24) persons. Chm. Walker then requested to have a show of hands as to the number who would favor Briarcliff becoming a special fire district. Fourteen (14) persons raised their hands. Chairman Walker then requested to have a show of hands of those who did oppose coming into the special fire district. Four persons raised their hands. Trisha Stanford Hunt stated that she had learned the property tax rate for the Town of Chapel Hill was ninety two (920) cents and that she felt it would be cheaper to be annexed into the Town and have available all the services offered by the Town rather than pay the thirty (30G) cent fire tax levy. Mrs. Bernice Daw of Briarcliff stated that she agreed with Mrs. Hunt, in that, the cost of being in the city would not be too far greater than the tax levy that was being proposed plus the citizens would receive the extended services provided by the Town. Someone asked "how are you going to make the decision". Chairman Walker explained the matter would be discussed among the Board members and that the judgment of the situation would be 10ft to each individual member. Russell Seaman asked "iE the Town in an attempt to justify the higher rate would annexation of these areas supply more federal funds". Ms. McSwain answered, "No, there are not that many of. you". Jim Wild of the Briarcliff area stated "after hearing the Town's presen- tation he was fairly much convinced that a thirty (300) cent tax levy is fair since this is the proportionate share that is borne by the citizens of the Town of Chapel H111". He stated "peace of mind it will bring to me is worth it". Herman Henkle stated that eighty five (85%) percent of those present voted to join the special fire district and he requested the Beard to confide in how you make the decision. Chairman Walker replied that the Board must take into consideration all it had heard and witnessed. Mr. Henkle requested the Board to go back to the officials of the Town of Chapel Hill and try to negotiate: for a lower rate. Trisha Stanford Hunt stated that she had been authorized to withdraw the petition of the Oaks as the home owners were against a thirty (30C) cent rate, however, iE negotiations with the Town of Chapel Hill does allow a lower rate then the owners might reconsider and be more than willing to accept the lower rate. She stated she did not want to close the door completely on the matter. commissioner Henry Walker .inqufred.if there, was any hope that the ~r~arclifrf area mi~ht bg corm)}aa intto the.cit~r limiths a~ time 'in ~h~ nearf u ure. is. McSwai rep ied, eha Inc czt~z ns or t e ea may pe x ion or annexation or the Town could take in the area if they so desired". She stated that the Town is taking the matter under consideration, but that it was not possible for the Town to consider annexation until after the budget hearings are completed and other fiscal matters are settled. She also stated that if the Briarcliff special district petition was approved the Town would only issue a years contract because pf the question of annexation. Commissioner Flora Garrett stated that she understood the Town had insisted upon a two year contract period. Ms. McSwain replied, "that Mr. Kendzior, Town Manager, had informed her as of this date that a one year contract is the only thing that would be acceptable. Discussion ensued.