Fire department funding is a tricky and complex topic.
There’s a few options that have been used already such as municipal tax-based, subscription service, community donations, fees for services rendered or even a combination of some or all of the above.
How one municipality funds its department may be largely or subtly different from the next. That’s why we asked our readers how they thought the fire service should be funded — in a perfect world. Here are some of their responses.
What do you think? Be sure to leave your comment below if you haven’t already.
1.“It is an interesting question and one my department faces on a regular basis. Property taxes have been down for the last several years, community donations down, fee for service flat and may decrease with changes in health insurance, decreased grant availability and the ever-increasing cost of equipment. Now consider [that] my state [has] no requirement for municipal funding, countless other unfunded state and federal mandates competing for local dollars, lack of political will and you have difficult times for your local fire department and EMS agencies.” — Joseph Bartos
2.“I just wish communities would step up and support their local departments. I just got the final report for our last years’ fund drive mailing. Less than 50 percent even bothered to respond and our mailing only goes to residents and property owners of the municipality. Of that amount, barely half gave the “requested” minimum or less. Too many people simply don’t care or think their services are covered because they pay taxes and insurance, and maybe stick $5 in an envelope once a year. It’s sad that people who will drop $30 to $50 on one meal or $100 a month for satellite TV, phone, cable and can’t seem to come up with $50 a year for their local fire services.” — Mark Gandzyk
3.“Where there is insurance involved, a bill for services rendered is appropriate. For constant false alarms, such as faulty detectors or shoddy maintenance of such systems, a fine of some sort should be imposed by building or code enforcement with the bulk of the fine tendered to the fire district. Where no insurance billing or fines be appropriate, it should fall under the Good Samaritan efforts. It will help recoup some of the operational expenses and encourage many to be more responsible.” — Jonathan Kenobody
4.“Tax-based and fee for service.” — Clark Willis
5.“Fire departments can bill insurance companies for services but do not for such [services] as speedy dry, use of extrication tools and an actual set fee for fighting fires. But most do not. All departments should look into a third-party billing these fees. They already exist in your insurance policies that you pay every month.” — Tony Cuffe
