Fairhope's Fire Chief Answers Questions About New Station/Budget

BIDS SOUGHT FOR NEW PARKER ROAD STATION          

Fire Chief Chris Ellis said this week the process for constructing the city's fourth fire station has begun.

Ellis: "We just put out the bids . . . listed in the paper yesterday."

Once a bid is approved, Ellis said construction should take about 6-8 months; and the new fire truck the city purchased for the station (for $350,000) should be ready for pickup in September.

FIRE DEPARTMENT FINANCES EXPLAINED

City Administrator Mims said he had been getting a lot of questions concerning how the fire department is financed and asked Ellis to explain this much-misunderstood topic.

Ellis said it gets a portion of the county's property tax (1.5 mils),  federal/state grants, yearly donations from citizens, and "what the city gives us each year" (contributed about $470,000 last year).

A PRIVATE NON-PROFIT CORPORATION

Ellis said the department is not a part of city government; but is under contract to provide for the city's  fire protection.

To remain tax exempt under IRS laws (501c), there are strict  limitations on how private donations (direct public support) may be used (operating expenses and some equipment only according to Ellis).

The department solicits donations from citizens yearly via mail (total response about $100,000 last year).

Ellis said there are currently 42 volunteer firefighters, and 12 (youth) explorers who provide assistance.



Comments

Anonymous said…
Wonder how they've been paying for all the parties and beer busts at the firemen's hall?
Anonymous said…
Probably came from the "Clean Sweep 2012" fund.
Anonymous said…
Does anybody know what the city's ISO rating is now? Is it still split?
Publisher said…
In answer to a submitted question: The person to Eliss's right is Assistant Finance Director Jill Cabaniss.