This was sent to me by Bill McCombs, and this was his reply emailed to the D&C reporter who wrote the article about the Churchville Firehouse. Any questions or comments should be directed to him.

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THE REPLY TO THE D&C BELOW!

Ernst,

Just where is the fire tax issue burning? Perhaps in the underwear of two or three local malcontents? I am truly surprised at you for being a little bit gullible in this matter. Please know you were NOT their first selection, kinda like being someone’s SECOND choice for the prom.

These three hollow voices on this issue, howled @ the door & lobbied Ms Evelyn Dow, the Suburban News Editor emphatically, but SHE investigated the issue & found the "raging fire" was more a kin to a fleeting candle.

I sat in the Budget meetings this year & last, & when the final BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING rolled around for 2008, NO ONE STOOD UP TO OPPOSE. NOT ONE PERSON. So when I read this passage from your story, Quote:

"Nowhere in any meeting that I attended did they talk about how big the increase was going to be for the individual taxpayer,"

said Trenton, 58, of Riga. "That's the upsetting part to me and should be upsetting to a lot of people.", THE OPTIMUM WORDS are "That I attended". & Now the Residents need to be TOLD when to be upset?

It is deceptive to print a statement such as :

"That statement was echoed by several town residents who differ on the need for a new firehouse"

You have two names in an article for a community of 5000. I did find one comment rather humorous however:

"I understand the fire department is an important service to the people, but I can't support the idea of such a large raise over one year. I was just completely in shock."

I can only say that he must never open his School Tax Bills!

Honestly, Ernst, I have sat in at least three PUBLIC MEETINGS where the actual fire rate tax increase was placed on the record, and since the Town "purchases" fire protection from the Village of Churchville., It is then the Village that contracts with the Fire Department on behalf of BOTH the Town Of Riga & Churchville Village. And along that vein, this matter was ACTUALLY settled a YEAR AGO. Because of the fiscal timing differential, the 2007 Village Budget reflected the increase for the new firehouse. Riga needed to wait, by law, to adjust & finalize this budget matter until the 2008 Public Hearing. (Same Hearing where NO ONE objected) So while Village residents have paid a fire tax increase for a whole year @ this point, Town residents are just beginning to catch up, in this JOINT endeavor.

You are a bright, likable fellow & good reporter Ernst, so going forward I hope you will focus upon issues in front of us & let the two or three malcontents live in the past.

wrm

As an aside, I list a few fire tax rates for other communities. Remember smaller communities must share the costs among a lesser population, BUT a FIRE in Riga May be just as Deadly as anywhere else, in any other community. Riga residents deserve emergency services & fire protection commensurate w/ 2008 standards. Would you disagree? And Ernst, Fire Protection is just another form of insurance, so how much do you pay for auto liability coverage? Mr. Lancaster drives a new corvette, how much does he Pay?

Rates per $1,000/Assessed Home value, Western Monroe Districts.

Spencerport 96 cents, but new firehouse costs pending.

Sweden & Chili are also @ 96 cents. (Much greater populations)

Hamlin: $1.53

Hilton $1.76, but new Fire House Construction set to begin, must watch 2009 rate.

Gates $1.93

North Greece $2.82

Barnard $3.90

Greece Ridge $3.93

Let’s say fire protection has been a "Great Deal" in Riga for the last 60 years. So asking ME, as a resident, it is still a pretty good deal, for I place greater than a $230. Value upon my life! & property.