Dear Editor,
Here is some additional information that people should know about why Campville conducts a fund drive even though it is already receiving funding from the Town of Owego. The Town purchases and owns the fire and EMS vehicles that Campville uses. Campville owns the stations that house those vehicles and is paid by the Town to provide fire and EMS protection for its territory.
That funding is used to house those vehicles, and helps to keep the lights on and keep the buildings warm, but it is not enough to cover everything associated with general upkeep and maintenance of the buildings. That is Campville’s responsibility.
For example, Campville’s Station-2 at Gaskill has a roof that has experienced some significant problems; that means that it will have to be replaced. That is Campville’s responsibility to finance and not the taxpayers of the Town.
The Town is paying Campville to provide services in its new territory in the northwest corner of the Town. That funding, plus donations from other events like the fund drive have made it possible for Campville to obtain a loan to finance a new, third station on Route 38 just north of the Public Safety facilities. It is nearing completion and should become fully operational shortly.
The newsletter that was mentioned in the original comment is an annual one that is sent out to the community to inform them about the department, and a website at campvillefd.com, an invitation to attend its highly successful fall Pancake Breakfast, and how to contact the department if people are interested in knowing more about the department and how one goes about joining are available to all.
So the newsletter serves as an information source about the department and a recruiting promotion. A return envelope is also provided for those who cannot serve as volunteers but still want to help the department.
So Campville does have some funding from the Town but it is not enough to cover all of its expenses. The fund drive helps to close that gap to meet these other expenses. Any and all donations that are received are always greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
David R. Woods
