Wickliffe Rural Fire Department would like to extend a special "thank you" to everyone that has supported the Wickliffe Rural Volunteer Fire Department in the past.  Those who have supported us are the ones that have helped make it possible for us to make the improvements that we have been able to accomplish.

Wickliffe Rural Fire Department Membership dues will run from March 31, 2007 to March 31, 2008.  The dues for this year will be $45.00 per 911 address, or if you own property that does not adjoin your place of residence that will be an additional $45.00.

We urge you to speak with your neighbors and friends and ask them to pay their Membership Dues also, so that we may be able continue with the progress of improving the services to the citizens of the Wickliffe Rural Fire District.

When your neighbors and friends fail to pay their Membership Dues they are only cheating you and everyone else because they still receive the same benefits in reduced insurance cost that everyone receives, help us to stop free loaders.

Property Owners who have a place of residence, owns property in the Wickliffe Rural Fire District and either fails to, or chooses not to pay their Membership Dues and the Wickliffe Rural Fire Department responds to that location, the owner will be billed for services provided.  This bill will range from $500 to $1,000 which is supported by Kentucky State Law KRS:75:450 and 75:460.

The Fire Department may also place a lien against the property in small claims court until the bill is paid in full including all interest fees; attorney fees, filling fees, and court cost are paid in full.
 

If you have any questions about the Fire Membership Dues contact, the Fire Department and we will be glad to answer your questions.

1. This is not a Tax.

2. Everyone is not paying for the services that they are already receiving:

      Many that either fail to or refuse to pay their membership dues are receiving benefits for free and at the expense of those who do pay their membership dues.

            If you do not pay your membership dues, you still receive a discount on your Homeowner Insurance.

            If you do not pay the Fire Truck still comes to your home when you have a fire.

            Fire Departments do not receive any additional funds for Medical Response Calls.

            Who is going to keep the Fire Department operating until you need them?

3. This would provide the Financial Support to maintain the Fire Departments in the County.

            Several Fire Departments in the County now are operating with sub-standard equipment or cannot afford to purchase the necessary equipment required by NFPA.

            This places undo risk on the Volunteer firefighters that are already in a dangerous profession.

            Many departments do not have the funds to cover Major expenses such as rebuilding pumps, transmission repairs, Engine repairs, or simply have the necessary matching funds to apply for Grants from the State and Federal Government.

4. The cost of insurance, apparatus fuel, and utilities consumes over 90% of the operating budget, this does   not leave funds to maintain and replace equipment as needed.

5. Example:  A Fire Department that presently collects 35% of 400 possible fire dues at $45.00 per address.

      A.   (400 x 35% = 140 paying members) (140 x $45.00 = $6,300)

            Annual Operating Income: $6,300.

            Under the new law/ Ordinance:  (400 x $45.00 = $18,000)

             New Ordinance Annual Operating Income: $18,000

Example: A Fire Department that presently collects 35% of 357 possible fire dues at $45.00 per address.

      B.    (357 x 35% = 125 paying members) (125 x $45.00 = $5,625)

            Present Annual Operating Income: $5,625

            Under the new Ordinance: (357 x $45.00 = $16,065)

            New Ordinance Annual Operating Income: $16,065

We are asking the citizens of Ballard County to please contact the Judge Executive and the Fiscal Court of Ballard County and let them know that you support adding the Fire Department Membership Dues to the property Tax Bill.