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1 <br />STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA <br />ORANGE COUNTY <br /> <br />FIRE PROTECTION AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AGREEMENT <br /> <br />THIS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), made and entered into this day_18__ of November, 2025 <br />by and between Orange County, hereinafter referred to as the “County” and Caldwell Fire <br />Department, hereinafter referred to as the “Fire Department”, referred to herein as “Party” and/or <br />collectively as the “Parties”. <br /> <br />WITNESSETH: <br /> <br />1. County created the Little River Fire Protection District (the “District”) as a special tax <br />district pursuant to Chapter 69 of the North Carolina General Statutes and desires to <br />contract with Fire Department for fire protection and other services as set out herein. <br /> <br />2. Pursuant to §NCGS 69-25.4 the County agrees that it will cause to be assessed or <br />levied a special tax of not more than Fifteen cents ($.15) per one-hundred dollar ($100) <br />valuation of all real and personal property in the District unless otherwise limited or <br />prohibited by law or a vote of the people, and will collect said tax as a part of the ad <br />valorem taxes of Orange County; provided however, the amount levied annually shall <br />be based on the needs projected in the budget estimate submitted by the Fire <br />Department to the County as approved by the Orange County Board of <br />Commissioners in its annual budget or as they may otherwise determine. <br /> <br />3. That a special or separate fund shall be maintained by the County for funds collected <br />as a result of said special tax. <br /> <br />4. That from said special tax district the Board of County Commissioners will approve a <br />Fire Protection District tax rate and Annual Budget for the Fire Department. The <br />County agrees to remit quarterly payments, by the 15th day of the first month of each <br />quarter. The total quarterly payments to the fire department will equal the annual <br />budget. <br /> <br />5. The Fire Department shall provide and furnish adequate fire protection services and <br />shall provide the necessary equipment, personnel, and other resources as determined <br />by the North Carolina Department of Insurance, Fire and Rescue Service Division, and <br />the Insurance Service Office for all persons and property located within the District. <br />Fire Department currently has an insurance rating of Class 5/9E, and during the term <br />of this Agreement will maintain at least a 9E insurance rating. Fire Department will <br />furnish fire and rescue services free of charge to all persons and individuals within the <br />District (excluding non-public commercial transportation). Fire Department shall strive <br />to maintain the current ISO rating of 6/9E or look to achieve an ISO rating of 5 (or <br />better). This section does not preclude the Fire Department from charging a pre- <br />arranged nominal fee when standing by for special events. <br /> <br />6. The County shall continue to recognize the Fire Department as the designated fire <br />service provider for its district. <br /> <br />7. That all funds paid to the Fire Department by the County shall be used exclusively by <br />the Fire Department to provide fire protection services within the District (See Exhibit <br />Docusign Envelope ID: 98CFD7CD-5E86-4B80-B3CD-3F09E1F5D0CF