New Fire Truck
 

In the 3/24 paper, page C3, is an article about the new fire truck that Villages Public Safety has purchased. Its key feature is a ladder that will reach a 10 story building, like the Brownwood Hotel. Its cost, about $1 million.

No wonder our annual fire assessment has to increase. I do not begrudge the firefighters a fair wage, but no houses are 10 stories tall, only businesses.

That's a good reason for a public safety impact fee on commercial property.

I'm pretty sure that our fireman also protect homes outside of TV, businesses, schools, and churches and even other communitie's fires when needed. Our assessment has not increased. I'm sure it will in the future but so far it has not.

Our firefighters should have all the equipment they need but why in the world are we paying for something that can go 10 stories high?

Comes in handy for high angle rescue too. You never know when someone might get stuck while painting one of the water towers. lol

Even in a three story building the ladder is extended out so that the water can be directed into the building or on the roof. Also there are other buildings such as the assisted living facilities that have several floors.

Churches, hospitals, apartment buildings even if not 10 stories, (Sumter Grande is pretty high), and future buildings. Adding extra footage to the ladder probably didn't add all that much to the total price of the truck.

Note that the Fire Department doesn't rely entirely on the annual assessments. They also receive Federal grants. Last year, they received at least one $6.5 million Federal grant.

First off the ladder usually sets up outside the collapse zone. Also IF there are cars, lawns, bushes, dumpster etc. they have to stay away from those items so the ladder can operate. It has a 100 ft. reach at an angle. Hospitals, multi story apartments and commercial building require longer reach. Even a house with a 25 to 30 front yard plus the vehicle set up with jacks or outriggers can require the longer ladder reach. Stop by someday they'll be more then happy to explain the operation to you.

That ladder truck will be in the junk yard before it is ever used to put out a fire.

New Fire Truck
 

Great now defund the Fire Department

The Brownwood hotel paid an impact fee when it was built wonder how tall the hospital will be?

Not put out a fire it will be used just like any of the other trucks, but certainly before the 100 foot ladder is needed. The current ladder truck is 75 feet wonder how many times that ladder was needed.

I've just received a notice that they will increase fire protection assessment maximum from $125 to $360. Haven't you?

They did not say it is increasing. They held the required hearing for public comment because there is consideration being given to raise the ceiling of the assessment.

With the hotel and medical center, they probably needed the ladder. I would assume you do not need a ladder for the one family homes. If they raise the ceiling, they will raise the fees no doubt.