A public hearing regarding a proposed joint fire district was held in the Hubbard Auditorium at the Tioga County Office Building in Owego, N.Y. on Nov. 23. In attendance were Village of Owego residents, fire department members and other emergency responders and volunteers, and village and town officials, among others. (Photo by JoAnn R. Walter)
A public hearing regarding a proposed joint fire district was held in the Hubbard Auditorium at the Tioga County Office Building in Owego, N.Y. on Monday evening, Nov. 23. In attendance were Village of Owego residents, fire department members and emergency responders and volunteers, and village and town officials, among others.
The public hearing served as an opportunity for residents of the village to express their opinions and concerns.
Most village residents who spoke at the hearing communicated that a fire district was in the best interest of the public. In addition, most village residents who spoke at the public hearing stated that it should ultimately be up to the public to decide who should be in charge of taxpayer dollars.
Several subjects were raised at the public hearing, which included concerns about taxes, EMS funding, and overall public safety.
One point raised by at least two individuals at the public hearing was the anticipated depletion of the “Sweet Fund” and how to provide funds for the future cost of EMS services. The Sweet Fund, a fund donated by Florence Sweet in 1999 to pay for health services, has annually paid for two full-time daytime EMT’s. Now, residents are concerned that the balance, about $450,000, will run out within three years.
Outside the public hearing, Mayor Kevin Millar has shared that options exist when the Sweet Fund is depleted, such as billing insurance companies for services rendered. Millar’s opinion is that most people have health insurance that will pay for EMS, and although 100 percent of recovery of bills from insurance companies is unlikely, even 40 to 50 percent goes a long way towards paying for EMS services.
If formed, a fire district would include as many as five commissioners and have responsibility for fiscal management, which includes setting a fire tax, and operational management.
At the public hearing, residents who spoke shared that a fire district would serve the community best in regards to ongoing operational management and how money is spent.
Outside the public hearing, Millar previously shared that the present Village organizational structure allows significant voter input regarding taxes. Millar stated, “Their control is much greater by working with the Village Board than with a fire district.”
Another point shared by speakers at the public hearing was a concern about the overall neglect of the fire station. Citing active roof leaks and security issues, among other items, a current fire department member also shared that these, among other issues, have been brought to the attention of the village and have yet to be addressed.
One common theme shared at the public hearing amongst residents and speakers who are also emergency responders and volunteers, is their concern for the welfare of the community and the strong dedication and commitment they hold toward the support they provide to the community. Many of the public hearing attendees have served the community for as many as twenty years or more, and expressed that going forward as a fire district is beneficial for the long term.
Robin Shaver, a Newark Valley resident and EMS volunteer who supports Owego, Newark Valley and Campville on emergency calls, shared her opinion that a district is a good move to ensure the community is taken care of. Shaver said, “I want everyone to feel safe.”
