Re: Fire Station

[WMSteed@aol.com]

OK.  I just talked to the Idaho State Rating Bureau.  After reading them item 
1 on the "Fire Station Fact Sheet" they said not building the proposed 
station "at this time" would not impact Moscow's protection rating.  It would 
make a difference when and if Moscow expands out from its proposed location.  
More specifically, engine companies need to be 1.5 miles from the property 
they are protecting and ladder companies 2.5 miles.  This means that engine 
company stations can be as much as five (5) miles apart.  The proposed site 
is 1.2 miles from the downtown station.  Wouldn't it seem that in case of 
Moscow's expansion, in 5, 10, 15, 20 years, perhaps a better location from a 
rating aspect would be further North?

Granted there are other factors that go into fire ratings but all we are 
talking about here is the proposed fire station.  It's now occurred to me 
that we could be faced with future bond issues for trucks to fill the spaces 
created by the proposed station.

Several of us have found that the argument that insurance rates will increase 
if Moscow's protection ratings change is not necessarily the case.

Yes, in case of a fire or a heart attack we would all like a station next 
door; but would we wish to pay for it?  That seems to be the real question 
that should be before the voters. (and several have questioned who should be 
included as a voter, and subsequent bond payer, on this issue.)

This station appears to be a want rather than a factual need.

Walter Steed