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.ORANGE GROVE 12 <br /> 'FIREMt.` <br /> Orange Grove Fire Department <br /> 6800 Orange Grove Rd Hillsborough, NC 27278 <br /> Unclear justification for the investment <br /> • The station is not currently being staffed 24/7 <br /> Response: We understand the concern about investing in a station addition when Station 2 is not <br /> currently staffed 24/7. The addition is needed because the existing Station 2 facility is not <br /> conducive to housing personnel-whether volunteer members are responding there, crews are <br /> asked to stand by for severe weather, or the station must be used during extended incidents and <br /> natural disasters. The project is also about preparing for the near future: we know we will soon <br /> need to provide personnel to deploy fire apparatus 24/7, and Station 2 must be a functional, safe <br /> workspace to support that level of service. <br /> Today, we meet operational needs by matching personnel resources to time-of-day demand-using <br /> daytime staffing and part-time personnel to cover peak workload periods. This approach is <br /> common practice in emergency services nationwide. At the same time, we-like many <br /> departments-are experiencing a decline in volunteer availability while service demands continue <br /> to increase. Improving Station 2 helps us support the staffing model we must use now and <br /> positions the district to transition to expanded staffing as community needs require. <br /> We welcome questions and input, and we will continue sharing project purpose, budget status, <br /> and progress through our public meetings and regular district communication channels. <br /> Ongoing lack of notification about meetings, board elections, and financial decisions <br /> Response: Our meetings are open to the public, and we provide regular notifications and updates <br /> about meetings,board elections, and key financial decisions through multiple channels, including <br /> an active social media page, the digital sign at the main station, newspaper advertisements, open <br /> houses, and community education events and breakfasts. In addition, our corporation <br /> membership has increased, and the addition of an active auxiliary program helps broaden <br /> outreach and share information across the district. We also maintain an open-door policy and <br /> respond to community questions and requests for information, including access to meeting <br /> materials, minutes, and financial records. <br /> 3 <br />