Originally Posted by Kevin Knussman (Post 1980028)

I would love to learn more. Is there a way to stop at a fire station and ask questions.
You are welcome to email me at knussmank@gmail.com.

Originally Posted by BlackhawksFan (Post 1980068)

I am a retired deputy chief from a good size northeastern city I served nearly 25 years. In addition to that I also volunteered for the department in the town I grew up in and later raised my family in.

The volunteer department was one of several in town that were all separate fire districts. Each had its own board of fire commissioners, constitution and by laws. They bought their own apparatus, paid call firefighters and volunteer stipends, had their own fire chief, fire officers and firefighters totally independent of each other. It has been like this since the 1860s. Over those 160+ years the districts have learned to work together not only at emergency scenes but have meetings a few times a year to discuss mutually funded situations like our inter-department technical rescue team.

Each fire district was created by state law. It was done this way so they could effectively tax their district residents for fire services. For many years each district used to do their own tax collection but in the early 90s they turned that over to the town for a 1% administrative fee. These fire districts can not be disbanded without a vote of the district taxpayers and then a second vote of the state legislature. Each year there is a district meeting where the residents approve the tax rate and budget for the upcoming fiscal year. There may be special meetings through out the year for large non budget items such as major building repairs or to purchase new apparatus.

I found working under a municipality vs working under a fire district was definitely different but I preferred the fire district. We always had the best equipment, the firefighters that are paid make very good wages and benefits, their training both in house and from the outside is outstanding for bother care we and volunteer personnel. Over the years I found the district more willing to listen to the firefighters and citizens then any municipality because that was their lone responsibility. While both are held accountable for spending, their actions, etc the district commissioners seemed to take their responsibilities more seriously and always strived to provide the best services to their districts.

A tax district to me is the way to go. As someone who has used the EMS service here the Villages FD paramedics are outstanding. AMR's personnel are also very good it's the management of that entire company nationwide that is poor. Since the end of May we used EMS twice for my 80 yr old mother who had difficulty breathing/minor heart attack. Both times VFD was here quickly somewhere around 4 minutes. It was the county service that was the issue. Each time we waited, the first time was around 20-25 minutes as they came from somewhere further west of us, the second time was slightly longer. I couldn't imagine waiting that long for help w/o the VFD paramedics.

It's been my experience when firefighters want to do something and believe in something to let them do it. These VFD members will continue to provide top notch services if they do this. Yes there will be costs for manpower and equipment but that's the cost of doing business. If it helps provide better, quicker, more efficient medical care I'm all for it.

I know this is probably all over the place but I wanted to give people who have never dealt with an independent taxing district an idea of what it is like. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

Originally Posted by Darlene Lansing (Post 1980089)

I plan to attend the meeting ,
But in the event I can’t make it , how do I contact our Board if Commissioners .
Please provide the contact info !

Originally Posted by Darlene Lansing (Post 1980089)

I plan to attend the meeting ,
But in the event I can’t make it , how do I contact our Board if Commissioners .
Please provide the contact info !

Originally Posted by villagesff (Post 1979572)

Hi
I am writing this as a resident and a Villages Firefighter. Bradley Arnold is trying to take away your Fire Department! It sounds strange, but it is what is happening. I am not going to belittle the men and women of Sumter County FD or AMR, but your Villages Firefighters are under attack. We provide you with many services that neither organization will provide. We as an organization do it for less per call than Sumter FD with better manning. Our Firefighters are treated better because the residents care to have the best services. Take a look outside of the Villages and see if there is a difference, I will discuss and or answer any of your questions truthfully and the best I can if you have any. You all need to let The Sumter Board of Commissioners know you want to keep your Villages Firefighters. Sorry this is so long. I know there will be trolls and naysayers and that’s okay, I just wanted you all to know what is going on.
Stay safe

Originally Posted by BlackhawksFan (Post 1980012)

x

Can you tell me what the current staffing wants to do? If it were put to a vote which option would the majority choose?

Are you guys unionized through the IAFF?

Originally Posted by HoosierPa (Post 1980236)

Bradley Arnold is just doing his job. He is making suggestions to improve service. Give it a break

Originally Posted by Two Bills (Post 1980278)

As far as TVFS is concerned, is Mr. Arnold not trying to 'fix' what isn't broken?

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC (Post 1980353)

Is he doing what his boss the developer told him to do?

Originally Posted by Dond1959 (Post 1980356)

You know Arnold works for the BOCC, but your hate for the developer clouds all your replies. Ask the 3 knuckleheads you guys elected what they plan to do. No matter what the advisory group recommends it is ultimately up to the BOCC which is controlled by the 3 stooges. It will be interesting to see if they foul up this decision like they have on other decisions over the past 6 months (impact fees and trying to raise the fire assessment by 300%).

Originally Posted by TCLaD (Post 1981321)

If County takes over, would they in turn have to pay for and buy the Villages Fire Stations, Fire Trucks and First Responder vehicles and rescue equipment from The Villages Fire District? Who own all this now?

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC (Post 1980975)

First of all I do not hate the developer. I think the family has done a brilliant job developing this place and applaud them for it.

What I do not like is their political control of the legislature here.

Have said all along that Sumter county and the developer should compromise on the impact fees so that the county can keep growing.

Originally Posted by villagesff (Post 1981254)

To answer some of the questions. We are specifically talking about the Fire rescue. They, BOCC/ Arnold ere trying to take away. The ambulance transport could/ should be done by the FD as in most of the state.
Yes, with a possible caveat. The Villages FD could start transport as soon as legally possible. (Not as long as the naysayers say). We would have to increase some personnel, probably from the existing contract service.
As far as taxes and the rest of the county regular taxes and the Fire assessment for the rest of theSumter county would cover theirs. The county would also have to increase if the transport as well.