BLOOMFIELD, IOWA -- Residents in Bloomfield held a special meeting Thursday evening at the fire department to discuss the proposed fee structure for certain fire service provided by the department.
The structure would help the all-volunteer department re-coup some of its costs when responding to certain calls; such as haz-mat situations and some call-out services.
Ottumwa and Centerville both adopted similar policies several years ago. The fees are not charged to the individuals, but submitted as part of an insurance claim.
Some citizens that came to the meeting were not on-board with the proposed plan, saying that the current draft of what is being proposed, needs to be fined-tuned, being that it could affect so many.
Jeff McClure is the Chief of the Bloomfield Volunteer Fire Department. His department responds to calls throughout the city and the county. Due to a 28-E agreement, fire departments throughout the county share resources.
“We want to make it so the City of Bloomfield capacity ordinance, township trustees, whether it be from my district, Drakesville, Floris or Pulaski, can take this, photocopy it, make a few changes, and pass a resolution. Also, the Board of Supervisors, if they wish to enact it county wide, could do the same. We want to do it right the first time,” said McClure.
McClure and members of the city council were very pleased with the turnout; however, they expressed interest that they would like input from the community. If you were unable to attend Thursday’s meeting, please contact the department at (641) 664-1147.
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