Fire dues to be integrated with Lynn’s water bills

LYNN - The Town of Lynn has decided to make a change to customers’ water bills using an idea from a neighboring town. The Lynn Town Council decided at their meeting on Monday, June 21, to integrate fire department dues with residents’ water bills.
Instead of paying $50 per year in fire dues, $5 will be added to all customers’ water bills monthly, increasing fire dues to $60 per year.
This action will be included in Ordinance 2021-05. The council agreed to increase the amount from $50 to $60 across the board where everyone has the same amount due, as well as to make it an even amount on the water bills.  
Fire dues in Lynn are not mandatory to pay.  Therefore, any customer who wishes to not pay fire dues may have them removed from their water bill by calling Lynn Town Hall at (205) 893-5250 or coming to town hall and requesting the removal from their bill.
The integration of fire dues with water bills will first appear on customers’  January, 2022, statement.
Since fire dues have been paid by some this year already, it was decided to begin the new method of payment January. Council member Chris Little made the motion to accept the ordinance to add the dues to the water bills with the option to opt out, with Daniel Dodd seconding.
“In the past years, our citizens have always paid a lump sum once a year for their fire dues,” Marcia Manasco, town clerk, said. “(The fire department is) wanting to bring in more revenue. Anyone who does not want their $5 on their water bill can opt out. They can pay a lump sum like they’ve always done.”
Manasco reiterated this was a donation only and not an expense the town is forcing citizens to pay.
“In the last few weeks, we’ve spent $7,000 on tires for some of the fire department vehicles,” Manasco continued. “We are hoping everyone will go ahead and let the $5 donation be on each of their water bills.  Hopefully, that will bring in more revenue for the fire department.”
Water clerk Kris Gray has computer software for the water department called RVS. The program will note the $5 payment for anyone who decides to pay the donation this way. At the end of every month, a report will be run noting the amount of dues collected and a check will be written from the water department to the fire department.
“The breakdown makes it easier to pay,” Gray said. “It’s due at the beginning of the year when people just get through with the holidays. For $5 per month, it’s not a big lump sum.”
For citizens who do not have access to water from Lynn, such as in the Rocky Plains area, but are still in Lynn Fire Department’s coverage area, letters will still be mailed to them.
“We would like for all the citizens to pay their fire dues this way,” Manasco said about adding them to the water bill. “We think it’s a good thing and will help the fire department.”
“The fire dues go toward keeping our equipment in good shape and ready to respond,” Lynn Assistant Fire Chief Derreck Cagle stated. “We have a few older trucks that will have to be replaced in the near future. We’re working for federal grants to do that, but there is always a (financial) match. We’re just trying to be ready to respond.”
Cagle also said for customers needing a fire report who have opted out of not paying the fire dues, there will be an expense for clerical work to obtain the report.
He mentioned the fire department has an open door policy. The public is welcome to stop by with questions or concerns every Thursday at 6 p.m. or are welcome to calltown hall and ask to speak to Cagle or Fire Chief Tim Harris.
“(The dues) are such a huge help,” Cagle continued. “We’re a small town. We have a large coverage area for fire. The town does a tremendous amount for us, but with our revenue, we still struggle to maintain equipment.
“We are super thankful for the supporters we have,” Cagle added.