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Hernando Today

Spring Hill Fire Talking Points Nearly Complete

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By TONY HOLT

Published: July 27, 2008

SPRING HILL - The concerns and confusion among residents about the future of their fire and rescue services will be assuaged by a list of seven questions and answers – at least that's what the district hopes.

A rough draft was written by interim Chief Mike Rampino last week and e-mailed to fire commissioners and the district's attorneys soon thereafter.

Rampino, who was on vacation and unavailable for comment, printed the wrong millage rate (2.286 instead of 2.267), but both the union president and the commission chairman were satisfied with what they read.

"Sure other people are going to come up with different questions, but I think it's fine," said Chairman Charles Raborn.

The questions include how the district is funded, what will change if residents vote no on an independent fire district this November and whether the county can move the equipment away from the taxing district if they do vote against independence.

"The current board of fire commissioners will no longer exist to serve the sole purpose of overseeing your fire district, giving the board of county commissioners total control over day-to-day operations and assets," the report stated.

In other words, residents will be told their equipment could be distributed throughout the county. There would be nothing to stop the county from authorizing it.

Commissioner David Russell, who has made no secret about his preference to eliminate the fire board, insists that is not the case.

"We've been very clear they would remain in place," he said of the district's assets. "What would change would be the organizational structure."

If voters opt for an independent district, the county would relinquish its authority and the department would be governed by a fire board. There would also be state oversight.

If residents vote against independence – as they have twice before – the county would take over and the existing fire board would be dissolved.

Russell said nothing else would change. Fire commissioners insist on telling the public a different story – through town hall meetings and information on its Web site.

The talking points submitted to the fire board are expected to be approved during its Aug. 12 workshop.

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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