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VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> C. Approval of the Establishment of Three (3) New Fire Service Districts to <br /> Improve Property Insurance Ratings and Lower Homeowners' Insurance Costs <br /> The Board considered approving the establishment of three (3) new Fire Service <br /> Districts to improve insurance rating, improve fire coverage, and lower insurance costs for <br /> property owners outside of six (6) road miles from the nearest station in the existing Southern <br /> Triangle Fire District. <br /> Michael Talbert said that this is the next step from the November 13th meeting <br /> regarding setting up a fire service district. Since November 13th, the Town of Chapel Hill has <br /> met and directed staff to proceed. It will be back on the Town of Chapel Hill agenda in <br /> January. The Town of Carrboro approved moving forward with modifying the existing fire <br /> service district. The action tonight will lead to other actions. The North Chatham Fire <br /> Department Board of Directors has to approve this, the State Fire Marshal's Office will have to <br /> approve the maps, there will be a public hearing in January, and if everyone approves then it <br /> will move forward. <br /> Michael Talbert gave some background for the new County Commissioners. He made <br /> reference to the maps and showed the old North Chatham fire district. For the South Orange <br /> and the other districts, everyone's taxes will go up to make this happen. For North Chatham, <br /> the rate will be 8.8 cents. For the Greater Chapel Hill district, there will be a tax rate of 10 <br /> cents. <br /> The recommendation is to approve the establishment of the three new Fire Service <br /> Districts and instruct staff to proceed with the additional steps needed to establish the three <br /> new Fire Service Districts before July 1, 2013. <br /> Frank Clifton said that the decision will depend on the Town of Chapel Hill if they agree <br /> on the proposal. <br /> Commissioner McKee said that the residents in this area will see no change in the <br /> actual service provision. <br /> Commissioner Rich asked why this would be approved without Chapel Hill's approval. <br /> Michael Talbert said that there is only one meeting in January in order to have a public <br /> hearing and execute this before February 1St <br /> Commissioner McKee said that without all of the entities willing to participate, this plan <br /> will fall apart. He said that there are not many other options available for the 112 homeowners <br /> that are experiencing very high insurance rates and with the possibility of having no fire <br /> insurance. <br /> Chair Jacobs said that annexation will probably come up at the public hearing and the <br /> County Attorney may need to report on the new changes to the annexation process. <br /> Commissioner Gordon made reference to Attachments 6 and 12 and asked what parts <br /> are being removed besides the area in yellow. <br /> Commissioner McKee suggested looking at Attachment 9. <br /> Michael Talbert pointed out these areas on the map. He said that if Chapel Hill says <br /> that the 112 has to be annexed or they will not be serviced, then the plan falls apart. <br /> Commissioner Gordon said that the approval should be of the intent to set up these <br /> districts. <br /> Michael Talbert said that the February 1 St deadline is from the state and if all falls apart, <br /> they have new drafts of contracts to fall back on. <br /> Michael Talbert said that the intent is to make the new fire insurance district for North <br /> Chatham one in the same with the fire service district. <br />