Elm Springs Forced To Make Decision On Fire Protection
Tontitown Price Tag Will Almost Double After Jan. 1
Last updated Friday, November 28, 2008 7:50 PM CST in News
By Bob Caudle
THE MORNING NEWS
"Star Wars" may be passe, but a spin-off, Fire Wars, is heating up in northwest Washington County.
The Tontitown Area Volunteer Fire Department is seeking more money from Elm Springs for fire coverage this year -- a lot more money.
The Tontitown group wants $49,000 next year, up from the $28,000 per year that Elm Springs pays, according to Mick Wagner.
Wagner was recently replaced by Becky Alston on the Tontitown Fire Department's Commission. Wagner now serves as an unpaid consultant to the group.
Elm Springs has been paying the tab to Tontitown for fire protection for its residents for years, Elm Springs officials said.
Elm Springs spends $178,000 per year for police protection and is spending $28,000 per year for fire protection, according to Wagner. The majority of Tontitown's calls to Elm Springs during the past year, Wagner added, were for medical emergencies.
"While we were at the council meeting talking about fire rates, they introduced two new police officers," Wagner said. "I honestly don't know what's more important to Elm Springs officials -- a heart attack or a speeding ticket."
Wagner said Tontitown officials based Elm Springs costs on the assessed dollar per building and went to the county clerk for evaluations.
"It's a simple formula to support charging Elm Springs residents a proportionate amount as the residents of Tontitown," Wagner said. "There's an Attorney General opinion that says that a fire department can't give away services. It also can't charge one guy $25 per house and another guy $75 per house.
Tom Kieklak, the city attorney for Elm Springs, said the city is going to have to go elsewhere for fire coverage.
"Right now, we're talking to Cave Springs," Kieklak said. "I think we're going to be able to work something out with the Cave Springs Fire Department."
If there's not a contract with Tontitown signed by Jan. 1, Elm Springs residents will have to pay $75 per year per residence or $200 per year for each business to join the Tontitown Area Fire Department, Wagner said.
Otherwise, if Tontitown firefighters respond to a fire at a residence or business that hasn't paid dues, the cost will be $1,000 for the first hour and $400 for each additional hour.
"In the end, it's purely a financially decision," Kieklak said. "Since 2003, Elm Springs residents have not had to pay dues. City officials are trying very had to maintain that and still have the same, or better, fire protection."
At A Glance
Tontitown Fire Department
The Tontitown Fire Department has 24 firefighters -- nine are certified EMTs, one is a certified paramedic, and 11 are designated first responders. The primary source of funding for the fire department comes from annual membership dues paid by residents in the coverage area. Membership dues are supplemented with fundraisers by firefighters.
Source: Staff Report
Reader Comments (7 comment(s))
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moneyfornothin wrote on Nov 28, 2008 10:24 PM:
If one place should catch on fire and burn and it will take on a whole new perspective...
Tontitown has a first class fire department and always has...
They are very dedicated. Those with first hand experience would know that.
Those few would pay the 75.00 without blinking... "
b4uwrite wrote on Nov 29, 2008 8:46 AM:
b4uwrite wrote on Nov 29, 2008 9:05 AM:
foxybunnie wrote on Dec 1, 2008 2:02 PM:
clybar wrote on Dec 2, 2008 3:09 PM:
littleredrabbit@sbcglobal.net wrote on Dec 4, 2008 12:48 PM:
Fact 1 – anything regarding Mick Wagner’s name attached is a negative, he’s a brute, and enjoys taking swipes at who and where ever he can, but he has the facts of the matter, sadly this is not an excuse for his behavior. As a citizen of Tontitown, I apologize for the reported comments by Mr. Wagner, regarding the Police Officers of Elm Springs. Fact 2 – in order to maintain the highly efficient TFD and the excellent service it provides you must be willing to provide financial support for equipment, personnel, and educational training for volunteers, and the future growth of the area, including Elm Springs. Unfortunately, it comes with a hefty increase to the town of Elm Springs and their budget. Perhaps some pre-warning should have been given. Count the population, divided by each household and/or business; do the math, a small price tag for the coverage provided. Ask your self, who do you want responding to a fire, accident, or a life-threatening situation? Been there done that, and the response time was phenomenal. First responder at the scene, Tontitown Volunteer Fire Department personnel, time of response, 5-7 min of the 911 call. Fire truck and transport, under 10 minutes with a capable, qualified volunteers. Care provided by team of trained individuals on the scene, EXCEPTIONAL! Orchestrated by, Mike Zulpo Fire Chief of Tontitown, and his department. Any more questions? Didn’t think so! "
Not already registered?
outspokn wrote on Nov 28, 2008 10:00 PM: