Sparks Fly Over Attempt to Save Money at N.C. Dept.

Feb. 16--DOBSON -- Sparks are flying in Dobson after two town commissioners met with the board of directors for the Central Surry Volunteer Fire Department about the potential of saving the town money.

Town Manager Josh Smith said Commissioners John Lawson and Robin Testerman met with the Central Surry Fire Department Board in January to discuss whether or not the option of merging fire services over to Central Surry is "even feasible."

Smith and the town's mayor, Ricky Draughn, who is also the town's fire chief, have been at odds over the matter. Draughn contends that the commissioners meeting with Central Surry VFD "smells like a rat" and "they have been sneaking around." Smith said it is premature to even discuss the matter because it is still in its infant stages.

"I cannot provide an opinion on this matter at this time as all the facts have not yet been gathered. In an 'A to Z' process, we are still on step 'A,'" Smith said Wednesday.

Lawson said meeting with Central Surry's board was simply a preliminary step to see if the fire department would be interested in taking over the fire service for the town.

"I just want to do what's right for the town. We've got to find money to cover the cost of the water contract with Mount Airy," said Lawson.

Commissioner Testerman said her meeting with the Central Surry VFD was an "investigative process."

"I know that other towns such as Pilot Mountain and Jonesville have done away with their town fire departments as a way to save money," said Testerman.

Smith said elected officials are charged with making sure they have the best interest of the citizens in mind.

"It is not uncommon -- as a matter of fact it shows a sense of responsibility -- for elected and appointed officials to thoroughly review each and every aspect of the town's budget on an annual basis to determine if taxpayers are getting the best bang for their buck. There have been very preliminary discussions regarding closing the town's fire department and turning fire services over to Central Surry as part of this process," said Smith.

Draughn, who has been the fire chief in Dobson for 22 years and in the department for 42 years, said he doesn't see any savings in having Central Surry VFD take over the town's fire department responsibilities. He said the town's homeowner's would "definitely" see an increase in their fire insurance rates if Central Surry takes over. Right now, there are 32 firefighters on the town's roster, Draughn said, however, the town is only paying pensions for 16 firefighters, which means they would have to be with the town's department for more than a year, Smith said.

Dobson also operates two pumper/tankers, one ladder truck and one pick-up, Draughn said.

Smith said it is "completely inaccurate" to assume that a merger will cause higher insurance rates for those inside the town limits, said Smith.

"A large part of the town's low insurance rating is the presence of the town's maintained fire hydrant system. The fire marshal has informed me that any affect on insurance ratings cannot be determined until after a merger takes place. There is a good chance that the rating would stay the same."

The operating budget for the Dobson Fire Department for this fiscal year is $119,000, about 10 percent of the overall general fund budget, Smith said. After taking into account grant money received and non-fire related expenses, the net fire department expenses for this fiscal year is about $98,000. The Dobson Fire Department responded to 55 calls within the town limits during 2011. That translates into an average cost per call of just less than $1,800.

"On its face it appears taxpayers are not getting the best value for their money. For comparison purposes, the operating budget for the police department for this fiscal year is $381,900. The Dobson Police Department responded to 8,832 calls for service as the primary responding unit last year. That translates into an average cost of just over $43 per call," said Smith.

Central Surry's Chief Johnny Hazelwood said if his department took over for the town's fire department, there would be some savings for the town, but that it was too soon to really discuss how much. He said his department is interested in taking over the town's fire department, but he hates that it's causing hard feelings.

Central Surry's VFD has 48 firefighters and nine trucks. The department has one station in the town's limits and another station on White Dirt Road.

Smith, who is set to meet with the Central Surry VFD's board tonight, said he only thinks it's fair to weigh out all of the issues involved before coming to an informed decision on the matter.

"It was determined at that meeting that merging with Central Surry at least warrants further discussion. We owe it to the taxpayers to at least discuss the issue. I plan to gather more information from Central Surry regarding this issue and will present that information to the board at the next meeting. As is the case with other budget matters, I will recommend to the board that all facts be considered regarding this issue. Healthy discussions that weigh the pros and cons of this matter will hopefully provide a clear answer as to which direction the town should move in," said Smith.

Smith said he already had the issue on the agenda for the town's February board meeting next Thursday.

Reach Mondee Tilley at [email protected] at 719-1930.