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and have the power to set fire
protection budgets and tax levels.
Much of the debate during Thurs-
day night's three-hour meeting cen-
tered on issues of money, Saulsgiver
said.
He said several firefighters sup-
ported the plan because it would
relieve pressure from the company
to raise money for basic items such
as gas and oil. Instead, money
raised through benefit breakfasts
and the like could go toward updat-
ing equipment and buying new
equipment such as a "jaws of life,"
he said.
Another argument that "tipped
the scales," Saulsgiver said, was
that the fire company would deal
directly with the commissioners,
elected specifically for the purpose
of maintaining fire protection in the
town. Citing last fall's contract dis-
pute with the town board, Saulsgiver
said firefighters felt frustrated in
dealing with the board, which was
concerned not only with the fire
budget but also with a series of other
town expenditures.
Saulsgiver said opponents of the
plan argued that taxpayers — which
includes most of the firefighers —
would end up paying more for the
fire district.
Proponents countered that fire
protection costs will rise regardless
of whether the town continues to
contract for service or whether it
moves to a fire district plan, accord-
ing to Saulsgiver.
Friday, May
Saulsgiver said he's not sure how
significant the firefighters' vote
was, especially since town board
members have expressed support
for the plan as well.
But if the company had opposed
the plan, he said, "the town board
would have taken a very hard, close
look at it."