On June 14 I attended the North Station informational meeting that introduced the proposed new North East Fire Station 3, to be built on Phillips Road.
The total project is $5.4 million. $500,000.00 will be used from the reserve fund, our tax dollars. The remainder of $4.9 million will be funded by a serial bond, monies borrowed at an interested rate of 5.5% for 30 years.
$2.1 million is for “Soft Cost," and $3.8 million will apply toward the construction of a 13,000-square-foot fire station. Okay, what is wrong with this picture?
Soft Cost! – This is the amount paid for professional services such as engineer fees, studies, etc. When I asked why these services were so high in comparison of the actual construction cost and if they got a proposal from more than just one professional service, the answer was “NO." This is totally unacceptable, poor planning and definitely not in the best interest in how our tax dollars are being spent. Not to mention the 5.5% interest rate. Come on, folks, this is totally ridiculous.
The new facility will include a bay for a ladder truck. It is my understanding that another ladder truck at this time will not be purchased. The intent is to continue to keep the current ladder truck in the village fire hall. I’m assuming that the majority of responses will continue to come from Station 1, where the majority of firefighters are stationed. This makes absolutely no sense to have an additional bay when a ladder truck will not be occupying the bay.
I’m trying very hard to justify the need for a 10 sleeping areas, a huge kitchen and meeting room and 3 bays for apparatus. Most other stations have 2-4 sleeping areas.
Why did they built such a large station in the village if it is not to be utilized? Is there a reason why the meeting room in the village station can’t be used? How often will 10 sleeping areas be used, to justify the cost?
A bay will also be provided for Union Hill ambulance. I had asked if our cost with Union Hill, current contract services, will be reduced because a bay is being provided to them. I was told they will not know that until 2014 when the contract is up for renewal. I would like to know if this service goes out for bid, like the City of Rochester did.
Don't be fooled on how little our taxes will increase! The first six years, short-term, the increase on paper is low. Don’t forget funds from the reserve account, our tax dollars, will be applied to help offset the cost for the first six years. After six years the figures are much higher, $28-$30 per household annually. That figure is based on the assessed value of a $170,000 home/property that is supposed to be the average property values for the district.
On June 14 I attended the North Station informational meeting that introduced the proposed new North East Fire Station 3, to be built on Phillips Road.
The total project is $5.4 million. $500,000.00 will be used from the reserve fund, our tax dollars. The remainder of $4.9 million will be funded by a serial bond, monies borrowed at an interested rate of 5.5% for 30 years.
$2.1 million is for “Soft Cost," and $3.8 million will apply toward the construction of a 13,000-square-foot fire station. Okay, what is wrong with this picture?
Soft Cost! – This is the amount paid for professional services such as engineer fees, studies, etc. When I asked why these services were so high in comparison of the actual construction cost and if they got a proposal from more than just one professional service, the answer was “NO." This is totally unacceptable, poor planning and definitely not in the best interest in how our tax dollars are being spent. Not to mention the 5.5% interest rate. Come on, folks, this is totally ridiculous.
The new facility will include a bay for a ladder truck. It is my understanding that another ladder truck at this time will not be purchased. The intent is to continue to keep the current ladder truck in the village fire hall. I’m assuming that the majority of responses will continue to come from Station 1, where the majority of firefighters are stationed. This makes absolutely no sense to have an additional bay when a ladder truck will not be occupying the bay.
I’m trying very hard to justify the need for a 10 sleeping areas, a huge kitchen and meeting room and 3 bays for apparatus. Most other stations have 2-4 sleeping areas.
Why did they built such a large station in the village if it is not to be utilized? Is there a reason why the meeting room in the village station can’t be used? How often will 10 sleeping areas be used, to justify the cost?
A bay will also be provided for Union Hill ambulance. I had asked if our cost with Union Hill, current contract services, will be reduced because a bay is being provided to them. I was told they will not know that until 2014 when the contract is up for renewal. I would like to know if this service goes out for bid, like the City of Rochester did.
Don't be fooled on how little our taxes will increase! The first six years, short-term, the increase on paper is low. Don’t forget funds from the reserve account, our tax dollars, will be applied to help offset the cost for the first six years. After six years the figures are much higher, $28-$30 per household annually. That figure is based on the assessed value of a $170,000 home/property that is supposed to be the average property values for the district.
I inquired if a mass mailing had gone out to the residents in the district; this was not considered. However, costly brochures were distributed in several locations within the Town of Webster and at the Penfield Town Hall. How many people visit their Town Hall? Maybe once a year to pay their taxes! I requested that a mass mailing go out prior to the vote on July 24, 2012. One would think a mailing would be one of the better avenues to inform the taxpayers.
By law, the bond is subject to a mandatory referendum. This is our time, the taxpayers of this district, to vote “NO." I can not see the justification to build a 13,000-square-foot fire station. They need to go back to the drawing board and look at other options, like building a smaller facility and utilizing the village station. Why did we build the village station so big if the intent was to build another large station so close?
WE the people can vote this down. I am not against having a station located in the North East district. I am totally against building another large station, and the cost associated in this project that affects our taxes. I respect all the firefighters and greatly appreciate and respect their position.
On July 24, I ask that you vote. The bond vote will be held at the Webster Presbyterian Church, 550 Webster Road (Route 250) from 3 to 9 p.m.
Your vote is important and a voice.
Rose Iascone is a Webster resident.
