RE: Fire Station Question

[David Nelson <dnelson@moscow.com>]

I don't want to be too negative on the new fire station but
I have several questions that aren't being addressed or just glossed
over.  I know fire and ambulance funding is very confusing in Idaho
but  it seems like good answers are in order to secure funding for
the station.

> The
> construction of a new fire station on the north end of Moscow is very
> important from a response time perspective.  We need this station in
> order to retain the good fire rating we enjoy in the City of
> Moscow.  This rating translates directly into lower fire insurance
> rates.  

How much would are insurance rates go up if we lost the rating  in
comparison to the increase in taxes?  Would the whole cities rating
go up or just those with longer response times?    

We also need this station because of sprawl to the north.  Can and
is it appropriate if those new developments provide some funding for the
station ? 

> The
> fact the new facility is located in an area that will benefit County
> residents is really a secondary factor.  As a matter of fact, County
> fire equipment will be stored in the station and they will pay rent for
> this space or contribute to the capital cost of this facility.  The
> details of this agreement are not finalized at this point in
> time.

This sounds like a recipe for having the county contribute little to the
capital cost.  Why would the county contribute in the current time
of very tight government revenue?  

Thanks for any additional insights you can provide

David





David Nelson
Nelson & Roseme, Inc.
Phone 208 883-7699
FAX   208 882-8143
Email dnelson@dnai.com