Open Letter from the Chairman of the Apalachin Board of Fire Commissioners

Dear Editor,

This is an open letter to the Apalachin Fire District taxpayers. The capital project for Station 1 on Pennsylvania Avenue continues to show steady signs of progress. There have clearly been some delays on the part of our contractor, but as of today, the schedule indicates we will still achieve our goal of being in the station in 2017.

The priority of the Commissioners is to ensure this project stays on budget, on target to meet the needs of the District, and on time to prevent any costly delays. Along with the extraordinary engagement of our Building Committee, we are on target to accomplish this goal.  

For those that have been able to drive by the project recently, you likely noticed that the structure is in place, the roof is nearly completed, and the floors have been poured. Before that could occur however, the electricians and plumbers had to complete their rough-ins, which they did.  

Over the coming weeks, you will see a dramatic change as the walls are constructed and the building is closed in. While the interior work will take a few months to complete, you will be able to see progress on the site work that is happening simultaneously. 

In addition to the capital project, the Commissioners unanimously voted to acquire the foreclosed property of 19 New Street behind the fire station for $14,000. This purchase was made with operating funds that became available this year primarily because the old fire station had been demolished, releasing funds that would have otherwise been used for utilities or snow-plowing. This acquisition will allow the district to create additional parking in the rear of the new station as we look years ahead.

Final note as we head into October, or as the Commissioners call it, Budget Season. Our goal has been to return the Fire District to operating within the Property Tax Cap law following the implementation of the capital project budget last year. The Taxpayers will likely appreciate we fully anticipate achieving this goal for 2018 based on the work-sessions thus far.  A public meeting will be held Tuesday, Oct. 17 at Station 3. Please check the paper or contact me, as we get closer for the exact time as all members of the public are welcome.

Thank you all once again for your support of our volunteer firefighters. If you have any questions, compliments or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me with the details below.

Sincerely,

Brian Rieber

Chairman, Board of Fire Commissioners

Chairman@apalachinfd.com

(607) 765-2974