I'll try and provide a little insight into this discussion. In regard to where fire stations should be located the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard is withing 1.5 miles for engine companies and 2.5 miles for aerial ladders. This standard also states that 90% of the time a fire company should arrive within 8 or less minutes from when the caller first requests assistance (911). Staffing: NFPA standards state that an engine (or truck) company should have a staffing of 4 persons. Each person has a specific job (Officer: Determine tactics and oversee their company; Driver operates the pump and provides water to the hoses. Firefighter 1 attacks the fire and is backed up by either the Officer or Firefighter 2. Firefighter 2 connects the supply lines to the hydrant and then joins the attack team. Having less than this number of firefighters would be dangerous...and firefighting is a dangerous job.

Minimum staffing at the scene of a structure fire requiring use of hoses, per NFPA Standards, is 16 firefighters (18 if an aerial ladder is used).

Is a fire engine needed for a "fender bender"? That can only be determined when the unit arrives at the scene. Would it be better to wait and let the victim be trapped in a hazardous atmosphere or respond immediately. I'm would want fast assistance.

There are very few "subscription" fire departments in the United States. However, in those areas serviced by subscription fire departments there are times when the house burns down. It is a simple matter of economics. If no one subscribed there would be no fire department.

Cost: A new fire engine is around $750,000. A new aerial ladder is around $1,300,000. You may argue that this is a lot of money and I agree it is. However if you were risking your life using one of these vehicles, would you want something that was safe and reliable or a used one? (NFPA standards require annual evaluation of these devices (not inexpensive) and the total anticipated service time for these vehicles does not exceed 20 years. Replacement depends on how intensive the use is (i.e. few emergencies the apparatus lasts longer, lots of emergencies the apparatus needs replaced more often).

Auditing. This will depend on state law, but typically each fire department or municipality is audited on an annual basis.

The Villages Fire Department is a separate agency, but works together with neighboring fire departments (Sumter County and other municipal fire departments to provide quality to services).

Consider stopping by a fire station and talking with the firefighters. The firefighters are well trained and are happy to show you the equipment that they utilize. They respond to not only fires, but hazardous materials emergencies, water emergencies, medical emergencies. Remember: When YOU have an emergency who do you call?

Also, property tax is assessed to the owner of each building, be it a single family dwelling, an apartment building, or any other building. So yes, the developer pays their fair share for apartments. It is no different than the owner of a home renting the home....they still pay taxes on the value of the building.

$1 a day (if the maximum amount were requested) seems like a bargain to me...