Public hearing scheduled for ratings switch
April 15, 2012
By CARL SMITH
sdnnews@bellsouth.net
The Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing 10 a.m. Monday in regard to establishing a Class 8 fire rating for the District 5 Volunteer Fire Department.
Board President Marvell Howard said the board issued an intent to seek the Mississippi State Fire Rating Bureau’s designation in a previous board meeting.
In March, Oktibbeha County Fire Services Coordinator Kirk Rosenhan said the fire department’s area is currently designated Class 10. A move to Class 8 would help lower insurance premiums for residents, he said.
“We have three rated volunteer fire stations in the county: East Oktibbeha County Volunteer Fire Department, Central Volunteer Fire Department and Adaton (VFD),” Rosenhan said last month. “Those three areas have response districts which meet certain criteria with water transport, manpower and administration. Class 10 to Class 8 is a substantial move benefiting those citizens because it doesn’t cost them anything to make the move — the rated districts aren’t taxing districts.”
Rosenhan said District 5 has the hardware and has completed the proper training and exercises for the move to a better rating.
“It’s all a matter of paperwork at this point,” Rosenhan said. “Class 8 is about as good as you can get in the county.”
