County to tighten fire loan process
Departments must consult with lawyer
11:06 PM, Jul. Written by
VERONA — Augusta County is thinking of tightening up the rules for volunteer fire companies’ withdrawals from its revolving loan fund.
Going forward, fire departments seeking loans should make sure an attorney reviews any contracts with equipment suppliers, Fire-Rescue Chief Carson Holloway said in an internal memo earlier this month. The recommendation comes after Holloway and County Attorney Patrick Morgan reviewed a contract that Craigsville Volunteer Fire Department signed for a new pumper. The department is seeking $300,000 from the fund for the new equipment.
Holloway said he and Morgan “are both concerned that the majority of the contract favors the vendor.” But he noted that the Craigsville department has already signed a contract, and would have to pay a fee to cancel it. “We really need that equipment,” said Craigsville chief Wayne Martin.
Mike Fisher, chief of the Dooms Volunteer Fire Company, and former head of the county’s association of volunteer chiefs said it makes sense to require attorney review. “It’s something that should have been done all along,”
Going forward, fire departments seeking loans should make sure an attorney reviews any contracts with equipment suppliers, Fire-Rescue Chief Carson Holloway said in an internal memo earlier this month. The recommendation comes after Holloway and County Attorney Patrick Morgan reviewed a contract that Craigsville Volunteer Fire Department signed for a new pumper. The department is seeking $300,000 from the fund for the new equipment.
Holloway said he and Morgan “are both concerned that the majority of the contract favors the vendor.” But he noted that the Craigsville department has already signed a contract, and would have to pay a fee to cancel it. “We really need that equipment,” said Craigsville chief Wayne Martin.
Mike Fisher, chief of the Dooms Volunteer Fire Company, and former head of the county’s association of volunteer chiefs said it makes sense to require attorney review. “It’s something that should have been done all along,”
This is just to get the county's foot in the door of more control of the Vol Departments. I'll bet next year there will be another level of "tightening" proposed.
ReplyDeleteThis board speaks out of both sides of its mouth. Support our volunteers, then work behind the scenes to undermine them. Just wait until they add the 20 career positions funded only for two years from a grant. My question is wheres the money going to come from in 2 years?
I'll make the assumption now that it will be the rally cry in 2 years for a tax increase!
The stricter legal controls over contracts doesn't bother me. I want the volunteers to not take so much burden in that manner. What does bother me is the idea that the County is accepting a two year grant to fund 20+ permanent positions in Emergency Services. This is budgetary insanity. You NEVER fund new operating expenses from temporary funding. This is going to cause a huge mess in two years. Who's going to pay for it? Will it come out of Daddy WarPyles' stash???? I doubt it, all he will offer is a self-righteous screed and The Gang will gnash its collective teeth and wring its collective hands and then demand that County Taxpayers bend over and take it yet again.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately many people do not understand that after awhile the Federal money runs out and then it is up to the locals to fund the programs. Just another example where the States must regain and control actions that belong to the States.....
ReplyDeleteWhile I do agree with the lawyer review of contracts, Iam not so sure about the grant and 20 career personnel. It appears to me that this board is just gambling on the fact that hopefully revenue will be available in 2 years. There should have been a higher level of debate amongst these board members before approving the grants application. With the first priority of having a plan to fund these positions once the grant funds expires.
ReplyDeleteNot to change the topic, but I think someone should verify if the “good ole boy” system is still alive and well amongst the new board members. Ive heard through discussions that Mr Pyles asked for one of his Commisioners to resign and appointed a close ally in their place, soon after attaining the chairmanship. Also that Mr Karraffa appointed two of his campaign managers to differing county commissions after taking office.
Spending money we don't have....
ReplyDeleteI see the re-assessment process is starting once again.....
Get out those soap boxes.