Minutes 09-20-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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into a tax increase argument. By reprioritizing the capital plan you can fund these urgently needed public safety projects without increasing taxes. We need your laser focus on Emergency Services — right now— as a critical priority. It's a matter of life and death —for both county residents and the emergency personnel who put their lives on the line daily to ensure our safety. Thank you." Bonnie Hauser from Orange County Voice read a prepared statement: "Thank you for giving our fire departments a voice last week. It was a good first step in rebuilding the county's relationship with these outstanding, community-based organizations. As a next step, please give the fire chiefs some breathing room so that they can develop their strategic plan working with UNC. Their systems work well today and, as you now know, they are effectively preparing for the challenges of the future. Unlike the critical issues affecting your call centers, the fire chiefs are dealing with routine issues such as insurance ratings and standards of service. They also plan to look at their own organizations and options to standardize the fire tax rate. Last week, you heard that trusts have been violated and, unfortunately, gestures from the county are now met with suspicion. If you truly want to rebuild these relationships, we encourage you to work with the fire departments at arm's length — similarly to the way you work with the school boards, or towns or other organizations that you do not directly control. Certainly, if you have questions, ask them. If you'd like a progress report, ask for one. If you want help with your own planning, invite them. Open communications would be a welcome change from the rumors that are now swirling about the county's hidden agendas. There is no indication that the rural fire departments are broken — but if you have concerns or questions, please raise them. Our chiefs need to hear from you. You can also help by referring citizen comments or complaints to the fire chiefs. Make it county policy. Put contact information for the fire departments on your website. That way, the chiefs can properly explain service, safety and other matters -- and how they relate to the fire tax and insurance premiums. They will certainly mention hundreds of selfless, well trained volunteers plus the land, water and other assets that have been generously donated to secure our communities and keep costs in check. Every community is different— but with the proper explanation, citizens will realize that their fire tax is a bargain. We realize that our fire departments are not perfect— but they are effective guardians of our communities. They exemplify dedication and service that money can't buy.