- April 25, 2024
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While Flagler Beach City Manager Bruce Campbell now appears to be receiving most of the heat (no pun intended), over the never-ending Fire Department problems here in Flagler Beach, it is well know by many old-time residents that the problems have existed within this department for many years, long before Mr. Campbell arrived on the scene.
Some of the problems became more pronounced in recent years, after two commissioners started meddling and became far too involved in the department. One is currently a commissioner/volunteer firefighter.
This commission needs to understand that as a whole they have minimal knowledge about how fire departments operate and the rules/regulations they must abide by. Yet at this significant junction with the department down to bare bones and in disarray, they fully intend to rebuild it. To do so would be a huge mistake on their part. Be assured that over the long term, small fire departments such as this can no longer be adequately funded by a small city of 4,000 residents. Costs will only continue to escalate, which is the reason few survive today.
Nothing mentioned will change that inevitable outcome: Tax money will still be required for the purchase of new fire apparatus, radios, station maintenance, safety equipment, training, not to mention health coverage, pensions, insurance, etc. this is simply not a viable option for our small community.
Our thanks to Commissioner Kim Carney, who recently spent several months of her own time, researching facts and gathering information as to future costs for this department. She did this with the intent of asking her fellow commissioners to at least consider meeting with the county in order to fully understand all the pros and cons regarding possible consolidation.
Unfortunately for you, the residents, her fellow commissioners quickly slammed the door shut on that idea for reasons known only to them. The question here is, if a department could be upgraded, making it safer for all, while at the same time being more cost effective, why would they not even consider it?
An upgrade in service through consolidation would probably lower the Insurance Sercives Office ratings which in turn may give some residents and business owners a lower fire insurance premium. Even more importantly, if a consolidation were considered and properly negotiated, it could cut the fire budget of $600,000 considerably.
Why, then, was this proposed exploratory meeting with the county not worth their time? Let's not forget that Flagler Beach residents continue to pay for two fire departments, as they have for years.
It now appears that this commission has placed this important option on the back shelf and will once again attempt to put a Band-aid on a serious problem. In doing, so they will continue to kick the can down the road at taxpayer expense. These same officials, elected to protect your best interests, appear unwilling to confront major issues that could better protect your personal safety, and that of our firefighters, and at the same time save you hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Arthur Woosley
Flagler Beach
