What amount of money would you be willing to pay to increase your family’s safety?
In Columbus, increased fire protection could cost many families $10 a year through an increased fire tax. The Columbus Town Council already gave its approval for the tax increase and now the same must be voted on by the Polk County commissioners.
First, however, the department is hosting informational meetings to make sure residents are informed about how much the new tax would cost them and what that amount of money means to the fire department overall.
According to several who work in the department, it would mean providing a higher level of service to area residents, especially at night when typically volunteers must respond from their homes. This means driving to the fire department first to reach the apparatuses and equipment. If someone was available at the fire station 24 hours a day, seven days a week, then fire department officials feel they’d be better prepared to get to fires faster, thereby possibly increasing their ability to save lives or limit damage to structures.
Another benefit could be a better ISO rating for homeowner’s insurance, meaning in the long run you could actually save money. How often does a tax increase do that for you and provide improved services?
— Editorial staff, Tryon Daily Bulletin