The grandsons were over this weekend. They came over about noon on Saturday and stayed until 9:00 a.m. Sunday morning. So, it was a whirlwind time of games, toys, reading, picnic and play time in the park, and just having fun. Sunday, Cathy and I rested.
For those of you who might be interested, Seth Mathews, the Chairman for the Weiser Area Rural Fire District and I signed a Joint Powers agreement for the Rural Fire District to provide fire and EMS services to the City.
The original intent was to have the Rural District annex the City into the District. The City residents would be assessed on their taxes to pay for the services rather than to the City. The City would then have lowered the City’s budget and tax assessment by the amount that had been budgeted to operate the Fire Department. However, the State Legislature passed a bill severely limiting all property taxing district’s ability to annex. So, instead, we have gone the route of a written agreement.
Essentially, in the agreement the City turns over most of the fire equipment to the Rural District. Costs are split between the City and the Rural District. In the event for whatever reason either entity decides to discontinue the arrangement, the District would return the equipment so the City could again provide services.
The reason the City decided to go down this road was for cost and efficiency’s sake. The two departments were having to buy much of the same expensive equipment. They were duplicating many of the same expenses. They were competing from the same pool of people for volunteers. The departments were located just a few blocks from each other. And, on larger calls, they would both respond anyway.
An example of why this made sense was the fact, that if this consolidation did not take place, the City would need to be seriously looking at purchasing a new pumper truck for nearly $500,000. This purchase would need to take place within the next year or two in order to maintain the current service level. The Rural has a new pumper on order now. This way the City and the Rural are not duplicating efforts and expenses.
It has taken a few months to work out all the details, but I now feel we have an agreement we can all live with that is fair for both the rural and city residents.
Now on to City business. This week Lonnie Chambers and Waste Water Department will be receiving a shipment of manhole covers, bases, etc. to replace some existing units. Each unit weighs around 2 to 3 tons, so these units are Heavy. The manhole cover alone weighs around 1,200 lbs.! So, please be watch out for these guys working in the streets. You don’t want to accidentally run into what they are working on!
Also, Ken Anderson of the Recreation Department says it is once again time to sign up for basketball. There will be a clinics available for 1st and 2nd grade boys and 1st through 6th grade girls. The deadline for signing up is October 12. The clinics will taking place in November and December. Also, the boys 3rd through 6th grade boys basketball league, which will take place in November and December will have a deadline of October 12. The girls 3rd through 6th grade will have league games in January and February with a sign up deadline of December 14.
In addition, the Recreation Department is registering teams for the Men’s Pre-Season Basketball league. The deadline for these teams is October 19, with games to be played in November and December.
For questions and further information, please contact either Ken or Jhonna at the Recreation Department or by calling 208-414-0301.
Well, that’s it for this week. There will not be a column from me next week, as Cathy and I are going to take a little vacation. Hope you have a great week and we’ll see you when we get back!
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