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Hernando Today

County continues to sit on hydrant funds

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By TONY HOLT

Hernando Today

Published: August 13, 2009

SPRING HILL - An interlocal agreement must be drafted and signed before the county agrees to transfer $193,000 in fire hydrant funds to the Spring Hill Fire Rescue District.
That money is supposed to pay utility costs that have been on the books since the fire district officially became independent June 11, said Chief Mike Rampino.
That was the date when Gov. Charlie Crist signed a bill into law that gave the district its independence.
The money also would go toward repairs on fire hydrants throughout Spring Hill. They cannot be fixed without the available money.
"I wouldn't say it's affecting public safety at this point," said Rampino, who told the board of fire commissioners Wednesday night about the funds.
"I can't imagine it would be that hard to figure out," the chief said of the interlocal agreement.
The district's funds are handled by Circuit Court Clerk Karen Nicolai.
Nicolai said she could not transfer the money until she gets the green light from the county attorney.
"Our office has not been asked to prepare an interlocal agreement," said Assistant County Attorney Jon Jouben.
A call to County Administrator David Hamilton was not returned Thursday.
Andrew Salzman, the attorney for the fire district, also did not return a message.

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

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