Here are Mr. Heineman's answers to my questions from earlier this week; his answers in red.
I will reserve my comments until tomorrow when I'm more well-rested. I decided not to comment on what I heard, since I wasn't there in person and wasn't able to hear all the audio. If you were there, please comment here.
I hope that these questions are answered in time for the informational
> session on Thursday, though if it takes longer to confirm some of the
> answers, I understand.
>
> - Is the Fire Company willing to have a portion of their financial
> reserves applied to this program? (no response given)
> - Is there a public record or audit of the Fire Company's finances?
> Has one been done? yes
> - Does the Town or the Fire Company have projections for membership
> over the next 10-20 years? no
> - Are service award payments considered taxable income? yes
> - What payments can current and former town board members (or their
> families) expect to receive? what do you mean?
> - Once in place, what has to happen in order for the program to end?
> - Does the fire department have trouble recruiting members? What steps YES, A LOT OF HOURS HAVE TO BE SPENT AND A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T WANT TO GIVE UP THERE PERSONAL TIME, SOME VOLUNTEERS CAN SPEND UP TO AND ABOVE 600 HRS. A YEAR
> have been taken in the past 1-2 years to bring new members into the
> department? we set up booth at carnival,add in our book we hand out,labor day event, word of mouth
> - How much money has the department spent on advertising in the
> Sardinia Standard, Springville Journal and Arcade Herald, and in don't know exact amount but it was min. this was our foreign fire tax money we used.
> letters to individual residents, to promote this program?
> - What are the average response times for calls throughout the town? depending on time of day, weather, week day or week end
>
> I have to say quite honestly that I'm very disappointed that the Town
> Board chose to go with a more expensive program. The Chaffee Sardinia there are more expensive plans available than this one
Fire Volunteers provide an essential and vital service to our town and
> should be duly recognized, but I don't think this is the way to go if you look at fire co. web site you will see companies that use this type of program
I can understand the response you were given to your questions (or lack of in some cases) due to the fact that they were given by Heineman. I don't understand how they expect the majority of the town to feel all warm and fuzzy about this whole service proposal when so many have questions and doubts in our minds. I spoke with two citizens today who told me about the whole absentee process for their college kids-they felt strongly enough about this to get their kids back home for the vote if the absentee thing fell through. This whole thing may be the straw that breaks the camel's back. I hope it doesn't turn out to be a no win situation.
ReplyDeleteTruly, I don't have a problem with the program, it's the execution of the problem that I have an issue with! When we have to pay almost half the program cost to have it ammatorized over a 10 year period, than something is wrong. Even if the amount saved was a quarter of the cost (250K), that money could be well spent in a different way... improved buildings roads, grounds, etc... OR, help ALL residents with it, not just 44. Truly I am on the fence about this. Tempted to vote it down just to send it back to the drawing board for a better proposal!
ReplyDeleteIf you go to thesardiniastandard.blogspot web site you'll see what a shame the Hannon's, Salmon and Church have made of this and other Sardinia issues. I agree this may be pricey - but the Republican Party tactics are far worse!
ReplyDelete