----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2001 11:28
PM
Subject: Re: Fire Station
Mark and Visionaries;
The discussion has not been
about the building of the fire station, rather it has revolved around the
proposed funding mechanism and the rationale being used to promote a tax
increase.
I believe it is a good idea to consider building a fire
station on the north end of town. As Mark says, it would increase the
safety and peace of mind of those living on the north side of the city and the
county residents living to the north.
I am concerned because, first, only a tax increase on just
city residents is being considered as the funding mechanism. First of all, this is the City fire station. It' primary
function will be to support the City. As was stated in the fact sheet, the
City and Moscow Rural Fire District will partner up on the project. At this
point, I would characterize the discussions as leading to a contract wherein
the Moscow Rural Fire District will make a capital contribution equivalent to
the cost of the bays they use or agree to a long term lease for the space. The
two entities have had an awesome partnership. I believe it was just about 5
years ago, perhaps slightly less, that the Moscow Rural Fire District, using
County taxes built and paid for the Rural Fire Station over by the fair
grounds. The price tag of that fire station was $400,000. That facility is in
the City limits and benefits Moscow. As Steve Busch pointed out, the results
of the summer fire east of White Avenue could have been totally different if
we didn't have the rural equipment so close by. The Moscow Rural Fire District
receives approximately $150,000 from the County. These funds will primarily
support county projects but will also directly benefit the city. If the
Moscow Rural Fire District did not exist, taxpayers would have been presented
with a very compelling case to pay more taxes for the equipment provided by
the Rural District.
If someone offers to sell you a $30,000
vehicle that fit your needs for $6,000 and the only stipulation was that you
allow some one else to ride in the car occasionally and on rare occassions use
it, would you still complain if they didn't offer to throw in free gas for a
year?
By the way, the Moscow Rural Fire District has
all the office space and storage they will need for years to come. They
designed this into the rural station by the fairgrounds.
Second, the reason being given to do it this way is to avoid
an increase in insurance rates, but this reason apparently doesn't hold water
for homeowners. Our committee has never over
emphasized insurance rates. We have simply stated this is a means, long term,
to maintain our favorable rates.
This does not help the cause.
Third, the apparent lack of long term planning evident from
the various city/county functions that allow for expanded growth without
considering impact on such things as fire services. I
disagree. My father worked for the City for many years so I
understand that there are always more worthwhile projects than money to
fund them. If this were true, we would have been downgraded to an inferior
protection class and already be paying increased insurance rates. It was just
March 1st of this year that we saw the rating improve and the rates go
down.
I tried, by referencing my personal cost under a ten year
bond, to show that I, as a citizen of this community, would be willing to
contribute to a building fund in ways other than tax increases. A tax
increase, approved by a simple majority of voters, imposes a cost on all,
whether or not they can afford it. Voluntary giving, especially for such
good causes, allows those who can afford it, contribute however they
can. Our committee is fortunate to have received
approximately $3,000 to fund our campaign. We've been very conservative in our
spending and anticipate these funds will be adequate. My suggestion would be
that anyone with a charitable urge should send the funds directly to the
Moscow Volunteer Fire Department. I believe October is the time of their
annual fund drive.
It may be slower, but the Quail Run addition has already
been in place for several years.
Finally, I object to the idea that only city residents
should bear the burden of the construction of this
station. They won't.
John