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Bayshore Fire District asking for millage increase, chief explains why

By Staff | Oct 26, 2010

On the Nov. 2 ballot, the Bayshore Fire District will ask citizens in that district to approve a millage cap increase from 3.5 to 3.75 mills to help the district maintain its level of service.

“That would amount to about $25 per home for a $100,000 home,” Bayshore Fire Chief Larry Nisbet said. “I know this is not the best time to ask this, with this economy, but it is important.”

He said his and many other fire districts are facing the same common problem – relying on taxes from homes, which is no difficult because of the real estate collapse.

Fire departments count ad valorum, or property, taxes and with less coming in from homes, there is less money there fire services.

The district held an open house last Thursday, and many came to talk about the proposed increase.

“It was a good turnout. People came in and asked a lot of good questions, and people got a chance to see the trucks and learn what we do. A lot asked about the millage increase, and we explained that as well.

“We need to maintain a sufficient level of staffing and equipment to meet the needs of the district,” he said. “We have cut out everything we can possibly cut without losing firefighters. They’ve given up benefits, and we have taken salary cuts across the board. We have already streamlined our acquisitions and daily operating expenses to a level where there is no more room for us to go.”

He noted how well the district has done on recent examinations. “We met our ISO evaluation,” he said. “That will lower insurance rates for those in the district. We passed with flying colors. We’ve done some research. Some residents will have up to $500 in savings on their insurance premiums.”

He also said salaries for his firefighters are some of the lowest in the area.

Nisbet has implemented many cost savings in the last two years that he has been chief. Crews work on trucks and equipment themselves, and many volunteers work many hours.

“I want to make sure we continue our new-found proficiency in fire safety so we can quickly respond in a fire emergency.”