| The Council meets today to decide the fate of the Volunteer system as we know it. If the two pending items are approved Local Volunteer Fire Departments will lose any opportunity to participate in the operational process or maintain control of their corporate property.
These two items are CB-45-2011 and CB-60-2011. The County Executive and the Fire Chief of P.G County have submitted this ill advised proposal which will have a significant impact on you the taxpayer and citizen.
These bills circumvent the County Charter (Law), eliminates the Fire Commision,a deliberative group which assists in directing Fire Service decisions, and places this authority in the hands of one person, the Fire Chief.
Volunteers have supported and provided fire protection sevices to the County for about 90 years, saving multiple millions of dollars for the taxpayers. Nearly 80 percent of all fire apparatus is owned by the Volunteers as are most of the fire stations. This means in addition to the taxes you have not paid for career services, we , the Volunteers, have purchased, staffed and built the stations and paid for the majority of fire apparatus . This will most likely not be the case IF this legislation is passed.
We need YOUR help!
Contact your Council Member and ask them to study, research and listen closely to both sides. Ask them to NOT rush into this decision, they need to know all the facts. We have over 90 years in serving you the citizens of Prince Georges County. WE appreciate your support and confidence. |
