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Dear Chamber Members,
We would like to share some important updates regarding public safety and the servicing of the 5-mile fire district, in light of the concerns expressed by our resident workforce and local businesses.
In response to these concerns, the Chamber has taken proactive steps to gather more information from both the city and county. After carefully reviewing the available details and consulting with various insurance companies, we have proposed a plan we feel benefits the residents, schools, and businesses in the 5-mile district. This plan suggests allowing the city to continue providing fire services to the 5-mile district from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2026, while collecting the 2.7 mills that residents and businesses have been contributing for a flat 2 ISO rating. This approach would also enable the county to enhance their infrastructure within the district, ensuring a consistent level of service when they assume control. The Chamber is working with both the city and county to schedule a meeting to discuss the 5-mile district in early April. We are grateful for their willingness to come back to the table to collaborate on a path forward.
We note and applaud the county's recent decision to hire 37 fire personnel, indicating progress toward taking over the 5-mile district by July 1, 2025. However, this transition brings some concerns for our community. Specifically, the county currently is in transition with key leadership positions, including a county manager, assistant county manager, HR director, and county engineer. Additionally, we foresee potential financial burdens for residents and businesses, such as increased insurance premiums. These increased premiums represent a significant amount of revenue that would leave our community, going to insurance carriers out of state.
We wholeheartedly support the dedicated efforts of both the city and county fire departments and appreciate their commitment to safeguarding our community. It is important for us to communicate the steps we are taking to advocate for a positive outcome for 5-mile residents and the business community. Our ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of life for you, your families, and your businesses. The Chamber is here to support you and will continue to champion our community's interests. We encourage you to connect with elected officials to express your thoughts and advocate for wise decisions on behalf of 5-mile residents.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for your continued engagement and support of your chamber.
Jennifer Davis
President/CEO
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