BY KEVIN ALDRIDGE
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MASON -- City council took steps Monday to ensure its fledgling fire department gets off to a smooth start this fall.
Council members approved three ordinances authorizing the purchase of vehicles and equipment for the new Mason Fire Department, as well as an ordinance establishing a special fund known as the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Fund.
"The fund is being established as a special revenue fund used to account for the revenues and expenditures associated with the new fire department," City Manager Scot Lahrmer said.
The main funding source will be property taxes collected in conjunction with Mason's 5-mill fire levy, which was approved by voters Aug. 4. Mr. Lahrmer said all expenses associated with the operations, capital expenditures and debt service of the fire department will be drawn from the fund.
City council members also approved contracts for the purchase of mobile pager service, cardiac defibrillator - monitors and two Ford Crown Victoria sedans for the department. Council will add those to its recent purchases, which include two ambulances, a pumper, breathing equipment and firefighter protective gear, all bought last month.
Based on the proposed 55 percent (Deerfield) to 45 percent (Mason) split of assets from the Mason-Deerfield Joint Fire District, city officials must replace equipment and vehicles awarded to the township.
City council approved the split of the joint district's assets at a work session about a week ago. However, the agreement did not include provisions acknowledging sole possession of the two fire stations at Snider Road and Townsley Drive to Deerfield Township. Mr. Lahrmer said that although city officials agreed with the division of the district's other assets, it did not concur with the township's assertion that Mason has no vested interest in the two buildings.
Mayor Betty Davis said the city doesn't wish to lay claim to the buildings, which are in the township, but it does expect Deerfield Township officials to acknowledge that Mason tax dollars were invested in the buildings.
Before the two jurisdictions split, tax dollars collected from Mason residents were used to fund the maintenance and operation of the two fire stations and take care of capital costs, Mr. Lahrmer said.
While Warren County Auditor Nick Nelson must approve the distribution of all joint district assets before the split on Sept. 30, he is not expected to settle the issue of the buildings, Mr. Lahrmer said. "It remains to be seen if the two sides can reach an agreement on the buildings," he said. "This situation may reach the level of litigation."
Meanwhile, Mason officials will need to decide when, where or whether they will construct additional fire stations within the city.
Mason's new department will look to fill between 80 and 100 part-time and eight full-time positions.
