Clermont Fire Contract Approved(posted Oct 11) The Clermont Town Council approved of the $298,000 fire contract with Wayne Township at its October 11 with a 3-0 vote. Councilors Walt Miller and Vonda Kiger were absent. Resident Linda Lucas was not happy with the cost of the fire contract for "maybe two fires that occur in Clermont a year." Lucas preferred the town put out its own fire or the town take its chances that it would not have fire run. "I'll let you borrow my garden hose," Councilor John Miller said. Town Attorney Robert Lutz said "You don't want to be making a decision about a fire contract if your home is one of the two on fire." Lutz explained the council owes the township $258,000 since it has already paid $40,000. Lutz noted the contract stipulates that the town may pay a smaller amount based on its tax distributions because the original cost was based on projected revenues prior to the property tax reassessment ordered by the governor. Lutz does not expect the town to receive its entire 2007 tax distributions until summer of 2008. Town Council President Bob Hinshaw said that if the town only receives 90 percent of its taxes then it will only pay 90 percent of the $298,000. Hinshaw contends that Wayne Township is overcharging Clermont taxpayers for fire service and requested State Representative Phil Hinkle to come to the meeting to discuss future legislative changes. Hinshaw requested Hinkle look into legislation about requiring small incorporated towns that can't afford their own fire service fall under the township for protection. "The problem is Clermont is not in one township," Lutz interjected. Clermont is located in Pike Township and Wayne Township. According to Hinshaw, Pike Township does not respond because of the distance and Wayne Township covers the entire area. Hinshaw contended that Wayne Township would respond anyway because of mutual aid which would negate the need for a fire contract. Hinkle said Clermont is required to provide fire protection, however the town chooses to do it. Hinkle agreed that Wayne Township would respond without a contract, but it would not be for free. The township would bill and it would not be spread out over the population of 1,500. It would be billed to the individual owner in need of service. Hinkle estimated that it costs about $50,000 to $60,000 to send a truck on a fire run. "The house may not be worth it," he said. Hinkle raised some caution that Clermont may have to pay Wayne Township's fire rate of .61 cents per $100 assessed valuation instead of Clermont's rate of .43 cents per $100 assessed valuation. The council also approved to lease two new police cars in 2008 with delivery dates in January and July. |
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