Spartanburg County Council approves budget, refuses to increase fire service tax rates
County Councilman
"Well, I wished you'd have done that over the last week, but go ahead," Spartanburg County Chairman
"Mr. Chairman, please explain that to me," Walker questioned him.
Horton said it was last-minute and that council members "would have loved to known about this prior to today." Monday was the third and final reading for the budget.
Walker said fire service agencies in
But Councilman
Walker countered that if Britt approved the budget, he would approve the
"I will state for the record that again, no one up here knows what a fireman does more than I do," Horton said. He said his son is a full-time firefighter. "I know when he has to leave my house at Christmas,
The amendment failed.
After the meeting, Walker said it costs fire agencies more money to hold a referendum, which is required under current county rules, than the millage increase they would receive if residents approved the referendum.
Walker said fire departments are financially struggling, saying they lack funds to hire firefighters and complete mandated training. "It's going to be a worse situation whenever a fire district cannot meet its ISO (insurance service office) rating, and your insurance rating on your house goes up. You're going to pay more in insurance rates than you're going to pay in a few pennies for a millage change," Walker said.
Councilman
As the county's population continues to grow, council members have no problem supporting other public safety entities, such as the
He said they preserve property and life.
"That's a great service. For us to continue to overlook those people who also are entrusted to protect and serve, it's a great disservice," Brown said.
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