1989 - 09-18-89 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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BOOK 12 PArr 90 West Sanford Volun er Fire Department. Mr. th requested approval of a lease-purchase agreement with the County for financing through Wachovia Bank. Wachovia's interest rate is 7% opposed to 9% offered by out of state banks. During discussion it was brought up that their Board was aware four months ago when the order was placed that there was a possibility of the area being annexed by the City of Sanford. Questions were raised on why they would be purchasing a $141,500 truck when they will lose 72 to 75% of their district if they are annexed and they still owe approximately $70,000 on another truck. If the area is annexed the City of Sanford would end up paying the majority of the bill. Mr. Max Hall of the West Sanford Fire Department was recognized and stated his concern that if the City of Sanford takes this area in, it will affect people who have put in 8, 10 and 15 years of service to this district. It is his opinion that the people in the district do not want to be serviced by the City of Sanford. The Chairman recognized Mr. Tom Spivey, Manager City of Sanford, who advised that in February, 1989 they passed the Resolution of Consideration which gave public notice to the Fire Department and also to the public that they anticipate annexation of what they call Northwest Annexation, 1500 acres of land in the West Sanford Fire Department District. Last Friday Wachovia Bank called them and asked them if they were going to pay for 75% of the fire truck West Sanford ordered in the past four months. That was the first time they had knowledge of any truck being ordered. They had discussions with West Sanford about their budget and long term debt. The district owes about $100,000 on the building and about $68,000 on the truck which totals about $168,000 long term debt. With the cost of the new pumper at $141,000 with $30,000 down; the City of Sanford would have to reimburse the Fire Department or assume the debt and they are very concerned about this. Mr. Spivey asked that the Commissioners take some time to study this before a decision is reached. Mr. Smith referred to a letter written on June 7, 1989, to the City of Sanford stating the financial information needed to prepare for a study for annexation. This letter advised that the West Sanford Fire Department voted to buy a Class A pumper for an estimated cost of $140,000 to be delivered in approximately three to six months. Commissioner Wicker suggested appointing several people from the County and City to look at the entire fire department system and come back with some kind of answers for the Board. The Chairman asked the County Manager if he received an answer to a letter he wrote in August to Mr. Smith about appointing a Fire Marshall. The County Manager advised that he, and Mr. Smith met with Mr. Billy Ray Cameron several weeks ago. Mr. Smith and Mr. Cameron agreed that this was an item that the Commissioners should consider at budget time and would be 5