The elimination of a special tax district means a South Carolina fire department could shut down as another department handles fire protection service for the area.
Dorchester County officials are looking to abolish the Ashley River Special Tax District, which was set up in 1979 in order to provide fire protection in the area through the Ashley River Fire Department, WCBD-TV reports. Once the tax district is gone, the North Charleston Fire Department will handle calls and service in the area.
Originally, the Dorchester County Council had planned to vote on beginning to abolish the district Tuesday. That vote, however, was tabled until March 4.
Ashley River Fire Chief Scott Inabinet told WCBD that county officials never talked to the department about the possibility of abolishing the tax district ahead of the item appearing on Tuesday's meeting agenda.
"There was no formal communication. There was no contact. They never asked us. They never sat down with us and said here's why we're doing this," he said.
Along with the department's 29 paid employees who are worried about losing their jobs, Inabinet said tax district residents covered by the department also are concerned about how their level of service could change if North Charleston takes over.
"Truly, if you believe in the way our democratic government works, they should go back to the residents and property owners with a referendum," he added.
Information about the proposed elimination of the Ashley River Special Tax District can be found at Dorchester County's website.
