We could be forced to pay more than $10 million in new taxes – plus millions in interest and other costs – because the Trustees are proposing an outrageously large and expensive fire station. In fact, this new facility would be four times bigger than the current fire station on Rt. 608.

You just have to do the math: These plans are more excessive, and some of the features seem overly costly, compared with fire stations in the area. Yet we have a similar number of fire and emergency calls each year.

We fully support our firefighters and EMS professionals. Of course we want a safe community and to see new stations built, but just not such excessive plans and with residents on the hook for decades of debt. There are better, alternative sources of funding that won’t raise our taxes.

Vote NO on Issue 1. Let’s make our elected officials act more prudent and fiscally responsible.

We concede that the current fire stations are really inadequate and in need of replacement. Our concerns about the levy revolve around these issues:

1. The Trustees previously stated that the continuous fire levy that was recently passed was to be used for fire apparatus and buildings.

2. New fire stations can be built over time with the funds from that levy and from JEDD funds without the need for another bond levy.

3. The officials have not been able to adequately justify why is there need for a 24,000 square foot facility.

4. If proximity to the citizens is critical for response time, then we would be better served by constructing three 10,000 – 12,500 square foot facilities over time, rather than a master station of 24,000 square feet and multiple satellite stations of 12,500 as is planned.

Needless to say, many Concord residents despise me for speaking out against the levy.  It seems that schools and fire stations (they really should be called EMS stations) are “sacred cows”, and their intentions and plans should never be questioned.