AGENDA 21 R4ADIO

BY STEVE FRANK

Did you really think that part of your taxes goes to the financing of firefighting? In the case of Stanislaus Consolidated and other cities around the State are now CHARGING for basic services, like putting out a fire! It is as if the firefighters were a private operation providing a service, rather than a government agency taking tax dollars to work for the community. This is about greedy politicians, not the heroic firefighters doing a great job for our communities.

“? $487 to $677 for what the exhibit called “motor vehicle incidents,” based on the level of service; the district also could charge $1,461 if firefighters have to use heavy-duty rescue tools and other devices to free someone trapped in a car

? $784 to $6,608 for responding to a hazardous materials call

? $448 per hour for a fire engine and $560 per hour for a firetruck for responding to what the exhibit called an “illegal fire,” such as starting a fire without a permit when a permit is required

? $448 to $2,240 to respond to a “water incident” plus $56 per hour for each firefighter

? $261 for emergency medical services calls involving basic life support and advanced life support

Bet you thought your taxes paid for these government services. Government used to nickel and dime us to death, now it is in the hundreds of dollars per incident.