July 30 Update – Proposed Local Services Board – Fire Fighting Pellatt, Gidley, Umbach, Pelican Townships
Public information meetings were recently held to consider the possibility of creating a Local Service Board (LSB) for the area.
Attached you will find meeting minutes from June 16, 2010 and July 17, 2010 as well as an estimate of property owners assessment .
Please note: Voting will take place Saturday, August 14 between 9 am and 1 pm at the Pellatt Community Centre.
Notice of Meeting | June 16th Minutes | June 17th Minutes | Estimated Assessment of Fire Protection
Overview
The Pellatt United Firefighters (PUFF) was established in 1984 and provides fire protection and emergency medical first response services to the unincorporated townships of Pellatt, Gidley, Umbach and Pelican. It also provides mutual aid to adjoining fire departments. PUFF is a charitable corporation run as a not for profit organization by an elected Board of Directors. It provides the services through a dedicated team of unpaid volunteer fire fighters and community members who sit on the board. The fire team practices every Tuesday year round.
Our Problem
- Voluntary contributions, revenue earned by the fire team and fund-raising activities currently finance our operations.
- An estimated 1000 properties are protected and mailed a request for a contribution annually. Approximately 30-40% of these property owners are currently contributing.
- Fund-raising activities take up a considerable amount of volunteer fire fighter and board time. This time could be better spent on the fire department’s operational issues.
Solution
We must generate funds in an equitable manner from all those who benefit to ensure the survival of the Pellatt United Firefighters.
Mechanism
A Local Services Board would provide the mechanism to collect the funds required to maintain and upgrade fire protection services. The financial burden would be shared by all property owners who benefit from the services. The formation of a Local Services Board would also provide a mechanism to apply for government grants to offset operating costs and assist with capital improvements.
Important Dates
Public Information Meetings: Notice of Meetings »
- Wednesday, June 16, Pellatt Community Centre, 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, July 17, Pellatt Community Centre, 7:00 p.m.
Vote: Saturday, August 14, Pellatt Community Centre, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
If you support fire fighting in our four townships, please come out and vote “YES” to form a Local Services Board.
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