Birmingport Fire District has been operating at a deficit of about 30% for the last four years.
That's why dues are increasing for homeowners, Fire Chief Wade Holley told WBRC.
The rate will go from $280 a year to $365 a year.
“We did not want to do it, but it was a matter of if we don’t do this, we probably won’t exist in a year,” he said.
They are offering payment plans and the district has a benevolent fund for those facing extreme financial burdens.
“At the deficit we are running at, at this time without an increase, we would have to lay people off permanently. And, then, the citizens of the district would suffer because we may not be able to provide the service that we provide now
