Fire Master Plan

The Clerk of Court, Karen Nicolai, along with our county administrator, Gary Kuhl, have formed a committee to review the Hernando County fire service which will be based on the best way to fund the operation and how to operate a fire protection service. After wiping my eyes in disbelief this morning while reading the related articles in the local newspaper(s), I wondered why this approach had not been taken 6 years ago. Imagine an actual master planning document that addresses the needs of everyone in this county, based on health, safety and welfare, and not the political whims of county commissioners pandering to their populace. The Hernando County Fire Rescue was given a free reign on our fire fees by the Board of County Commissioners to throw money at a countywide problem in 2001, with very little oversight on the spending habits of this fire district. With a massive rate increase hearing looming for all of us in the HCFR district, many are asking just what are we getting for our fire fees, and will we be protected from harm in the event of a fire or related emergency. One suggestion I have for this Audit Planning and Priority Committee should be to review the prospects of hiring a qualified fire administrator to oversee fire/emergency services in Hernando County. Meaning no disrespect to Chief Nickerson or Chief Morrison, but Hernando County has outgrown your capabilities and we need a qualified fire administrator to protect our safety, and our pocketbooks. Another suggestion would be to enlist the aid of an insurance specialist, qualified in ISO ratings, to set up 5 mile radius rings in Hernando County to properly site the location of any new fire stations needed for existing properties, and new growth. A realistic approach to fire station sightings, based on ISO ratings, is a must to insure everyone is being protected throughout Hernando County. Hopefully, the Hernando County Commission will put this proposed rate increase on hold at the public hearing scheduled for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 18th. Please give this committee time to adequately review, and investigate, all aspects of the needs for everyone in Hernando County, to achieve the best possible fire service available, while keeping in mind it needs to be affordable for everyone.