Elkmont will get a new fire department and quicker response time from firefighters now that Limestone County voters have approved a monthly fire fee for the 13 county volunteer fire departments.
“We applied for a $33,000 public service grant to be used toward a new fire department that we would have lost if voters had not approved this,” said Elkmont Fire Chief Jeff McMunn.
Voters narrowly approved a $2.50 monthly fee on homes and a $5 monthly fee on businesses during Tuesday night’s primary election.
According to the final, but unofficial, tally, 3,104 voted for the fee (51.4 percent) and 2,936 voted against (48.6 percent).
The following people will not pay the fee:
• Anyone over age 65 with a net taxable income of less than $7,500.
• Athens residents, because they are already served by the city’s fire department.
Firefighters asked voters to approve the fee so they could buy fire gear, vehicles and maintain equipment needed to protect county residents. Although volunteer fire departments receive a share of the county’s tobacco tax, fewer smokers in recent years cut in half their share. To augment the tax, volunteer departments have routinely held fundraisers. However, firefighters say neither the tax nor proceeds from fundraisers cover operating costs and the rising cost of fuel and equipment.
Volunteer fire departments do more than fight fires. They respond to traffic accidents, medical emergencies such as heart attacks, clear storm damage, and attend ballgames and other public events in case accidents occur.
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Voters approve fire fee
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Alabama lawmakers return for 2012 regular session
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Alabama lawmakers return for 2012 regular session
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Campaign signs are placed along Forrest Street in Athens. Officials with the city and Limestone County said candidates have few restrictions in regard to sign placement, as long as signs are not on public rights-of-way or on utility poles or other structures.
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Local teams set to host area tournaments
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Autopsy: Kids killed in WA suffered hatchet wounds
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Limestone Ledger 2/7/12
THURSDAY
A Relay Rally will be held Thursday at Athens Visitors Center at 100 N. Beaty St. Meet and greet 5:30-6 p.m., meeting 6-7. Open to anyone interested in information about the Relay For Life Limestone County event May 11-12. Food available for small donation. Gifts and door prizes. Committee meeting follows at 7. Contact: Carol Morris 256-434-1039 or CarolMorrisLCA@gmail.com. - Limestone Ledger 2/5/12
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Limestone Ledger 2/7/12
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