Advertisement

Ad promo image large
  • Published Date

    May 10, 2021
    This ad was originally published on this date and may contain an offer that is no longer valid. To learn more about this business and its most recent offers, click here.

Ad Text

BLUFFTON, HARRISON TOWNSHIP AND LANCASTER TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS On October 1 2020, Bluffton Mayor John Whicker appointed a Task Force to determine the adequacy of the Bluffton Fire Department's readiness to meet the fire protection needs of Bluffton and the Harrison Township Fire Protection Territory. The Fire Protection Territory includes all of Harrison and Lancaster Townships not within Bluffton City limits. The Task Force has reached two conclusions: 1. The Bluffton Fire Department's present staffing model of two (2) firefighters per 24-hour shift fails to meet fire protection standards and poses a significant risk to firefighters and those who the Department is charged to protect. 2. The present fire station is inadequate in size and support spaces to accommodate a gender diverse staff, increased staff, house department equipment and does not adequately address the need to mitigate firefighters' carcinogen exposures and risks resulting from active fires. Though the Bluffton Fire Department's requested staffing model was for six (6) firefighters per 24-hour shift, neither the Bluffton City budget nor the Fire Territory and Township budgets are adequate to afford that staffing level. The Task Force has determined that a full-time staff of four (4) firefighters per 24-hour shift will provide affordable and appropriate safety for firefighters and our community which they serve. The Task Force is recommending that the Fire Territory/City of Bluffton contract remain in its present form and be renewed for a 10-year period 2023-2032. To staff and fund the proposal, the City of Bluffton would fund four (4) additional firefighters and the Townships together would fund one (1) additional firefighter from excess Township revenues already being collected. The Task Force is recommending that Bluffton's additional costs would be funded through a combination of the cessation of transfers of $180,000 of tax monies to the municipal water utility (resulting In an approximate $2.50 monthly residential water rate increase) and local income taxes already being collected for public safety. The Bluffton Fire Department has also recommended, and the Task Force concurs, that, if affordable and if staffing recommendations are supported by the Townships, construction of two fire stations, each approximately two miles from the center of the City. This would provide enhanced response-time throughout the service area and would best address the long-term needs of the Bluffton, Harrison Township and Lancaster Township community. The Task Force will hold two information/discussion meetings to present their findings and recommendations. The first will be held at the Lancaster Elementary School Gymnasium on Monday, May 17 at 7:00 PM. The second will be held at the Bluffton-Harrison Elementary School Cafeteria on Tuesday, May 18 at 7:00 PM. MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR ENTRY AND DURING THE MEETINGS. Please plan to attend. BLUFFTON, HARRISON TOWNSHIP AND LANCASTER TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS On October 1 2020, Bluffton Mayor John Whicker appointed a Task Force to determine the adequacy of the Bluffton Fire Department's readiness to meet the fire protection needs of Bluffton and the Harrison Township Fire Protection Territory. The Fire Protection Territory includes all of Harrison and Lancaster Townships not within Bluffton City limits. The Task Force has reached two conclusions: 1. The Bluffton Fire Department's present staffing model of two (2) firefighters per 24-hour shift fails to meet fire protection standards and poses a significant risk to firefighters and those who the Department is charged to protect. 2. The present fire station is inadequate in size and support spaces to accommodate a gender diverse staff, increased staff, house department equipment and does not adequately address the need to mitigate firefighters' carcinogen exposures and risks resulting from active fires. Though the Bluffton Fire Department's requested staffing model was for six (6) firefighters per 24-hour shift, neither the Bluffton City budget nor the Fire Territory and Township budgets are adequate to afford that staffing level. The Task Force has determined that a full-time staff of four (4) firefighters per 24-hour shift will provide affordable and appropriate safety for firefighters and our community which they serve. The Task Force is recommending that the Fire Territory/City of Bluffton contract remain in its present form and be renewed for a 10-year period 2023-2032. To staff and fund the proposal, the City of Bluffton would fund four (4) additional firefighters and the Townships together would fund one (1) additional firefighter from excess Township revenues already being collected. The Task Force is recommending that Bluffton's additional costs would be funded through a combination of the cessation of transfers of $180,000 of tax monies to the municipal water utility (resulting In an approximate $2.50 monthly residential water rate increase) and local income taxes already being collected for public safety. The Bluffton Fire Department has also recommended, and the Task Force concurs, that, if affordable and if staffing recommendations are supported by the Townships, construction of two fire stations, each approximately two miles from the center of the City. This would provide enhanced response-time throughout the service area and would best address the long-term needs of the Bluffton, Harrison Township and Lancaster Township community. The Task Force will hold two information/discussion meetings to present their findings and recommendations. The first will be held at the Lancaster Elementary School Gymnasium on Monday, May 17 at 7:00 PM. The second will be held at the Bluffton-Harrison Elementary School Cafeteria on Tuesday, May 18 at 7:00 PM. MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR ENTRY AND DURING THE MEETINGS. Please plan to attend.