May 29, 2008

“Public safety and service to our citizens is and always has been our foremost concern,” Weldon said. “With the opening of a new base on Slanting Bridge Road earlier this year, Sherrills Ford Fire and Rescue will provide 1 to 3 minutes faster response times and better fire insurance ratings to the eastern section of the district currently served by the Denver Fire Department. We have continually asked the Denver Fire Department to continue serving the western and central portions of the district at a fire tax rate of 3.89 cents. The response of the Denver Fire Department, thus far, has been to insist on an 8.92 cent fire tax rate. Catawba County cannot justify a doubling of the fire tax rate to our citizens in that area from the present 3.89 cents to an 8.92 cent fire tax rate, nor can Catawba County justify its citizens paying a disproportionate share of the Denver fire budget .”

If Denver elects not to continue service in the central and western sections of the district at the current tax rate, Sherrills Ford Fire and Rescue has in place plans for a new station that would serve those areas. Land would be donated and plans have begun for construction of a temporary station that would go into service on July 1, 2008. Guidance and feedback has already been received from the Office of the State Fire Marshal regarding insurance ramifications for citizens.

“We have had a great working relationship with Sherrills Ford Fire and Rescue and appreciate their willingness to prepare to serve the entire district as of July 1, 2008,” Weldon said. “Catawba County expects response times and fire insurance ratings will improve for the majority of persons living in that entire service area. We are willing to continue working with Denver Fire Department to provide service to the central portion of the district, at a fire tax rate of 3.89 cents. However, if Denver Fire Department moves forward with its present decision, then Sherrills Ford Fire and Rescue is prepared to provide fire service to these portions of Catawba County. ”

Sherrills Ford Fire and Rescue scheduled an information session on the changes from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2008, at their headquarters station near the intersection of Highway 150 and Slanting Bridge Road.  Citizens are invited to come by at their convenience between 5 and 9 to ask questions and get information.

CONTACT: DAVID WELDON, EMERGENCY SERVICES DIRECTOR          828-465-8233