"Should the funding for our Volunteer Firefighters be done by Public Vote -

[4248]

"Should the funding for our Volunteer Firefighters,
be done by Public Vote -
not Village or Town Board vote ?

Should we take the "Political Influence" out of the funding process.

[WNYresident]

"Should the funding for our Volunteer Firefighters,


be done by Public Vote -

not Village or Town Board vote ?

Should we take the "Political Influence" out of the funding process.

Yes.

This way you don't have lop sided support based on what is given versus what is good for the community. Volunteers are great but the departments shouldn't be used to influence elections.

[BigGuy]

In most WNY communities, funding for the volunteer fire service is done through publically elected fire district commissioners. A budget is established, a public input forum is required, and the budget and tax rate are submitted to the Town Clerk for setting the tax levy, (which is a separate line item on your tax bill) not for approval or disapproval.

Lancaster (like Alden, most of Clarence, most of Elma, Hamburg) has no fire districts, and the funding is set through the Town or Village Board, as you state.

[atotaltotalfan2001]

Yes.

This way you don't have lop sided support based on what is given versus what is good for the community. Volunteers are great but the departments shouldn't be used to influence elections.

I like the idea of an election, but only if the "real" public, vs fire fighters, families and friends, comes out to vote. Fire fighters are a potent political lobby in the suburbs and I can see them easily hijacking an election on their budgets.

I can hear it now....all the subtle suggestions that if the budget isn't approved, you won't get a volunteer to your house if you need one.

[4248]

In most WNY communities, funding for the volunteer fire service is done through publically elected fire district commissioners. A budget is established, a public input forum is required, and the budget and tax rate are submitted to the Town Clerk for setting the tax levy, (which is a separate line item on your tax bill) not for approval or disapproval.

Lancaster (like Alden, most of Clarence, most of Elma, Hamburg) has no fire districts, and the funding is set through the Town or Village Board, as you state.

Are you saying in most WNY Communities - Their local Government has no input or right to reject the budget proposed by the Fire Department ?

Most Commissioners are elected by the Volunteers ?

Public Input Forum: Is that usually held at a local Town/Village Board Meeting ?

All I am suggesting is ,the budgets could be posted in the local paper , then in the fall Elections they can be a "Proposition" or however one would word it.

I appreciate the input - I understand nothing will ever take the "Politics" out of the process , but maybe more people would gain insight as to where our tax dollars go.

I am in no way slamming the working/volunteers or paid Firemen/women.




Thanks!

[Take Action]

"Should the funding for our Volunteer Firefighters,
be done by Public Vote -
not Village or Town Board vote ?

Should we take the "Political Influence" out of the funding process.

Absolutely YES,YES. YES