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Friday, June 08, 2018

Tensions Run High Over Berlin Fire Company Report

BERLIN – A presentation of the recently completed fire company funding study resulted in a tense debate between town officials and Berlin Fire Company supporters this week.

On Tuesday, Robert Finn of Matrix Consulting Group presented the findings of the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Funding Study conducted by the firm. While Berlin Fire Company (BFC) members in attendance questioned the need for changes when the town and agency had worked together well for decades, Mayor Gee Williams said there was a need for accountability in today’s world.

“It’s not about the people it’s about the system,” he said. “We’ve got to have a system that is accountable and transparent.”

Finn reviewed the recommendations from the report, which include using the fire company as a staging area for ambulances during special events, minimizing use of Main Street, decreasing use of the outdoor siren and establishing a contract for services with the town, among other things. He said the company’s expenses were rising at a faster rate than its revenues but said the agency was managing its money well.

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4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Just like every other government entity that draws its base revenue from property. The property doesn't grow! You keep taxing the same dirt to fund departments and agencies that always hungrier for more more more. So what happens? Taxes go up up up. Its lunacy and the behaviour is rampant across the country not just Berlin.

Anonymous said...

Did anyone recognize the famous David Fitzgerald again?

Anonymous said...

Sounds like this Finn did a good report and town did not like the answer it got.

Anonymous said...

No, the fire company didn't. That bunch of redneck's simply don't want any ACCOUNTABILITY! Most unprofessional childish group of crybabies I ever saw. Fitzgerald, Trimble's, Hollyways (his and hers), nothing will change as long as their there.