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Southaven announces ISO fire rating upgrade to Class 2; mayor cites economic benefit
Summary
Mayor announced the Southland Fire Department's upgrade from Class 3 to Class 2, credited to a recent $7.4 million hydrant project and other investments; officials said the change should lower some commercial insurance costs and make the city more attractive to business.
Southaven's mayor told the board that the State Fire Rating Bureau has upgraded the Southland Fire Department from a Class 3 to a Class 2 rating, calling the change "a huge, huge thing for our city." The mayor credited the shift to investments in fire infrastructure, including a $7,400,000 fire-hydrant project completed over four years and sustained public-safety funding.
Why it matters: Officials said the improved rating can reduce commercial insurance costs for buildings in the city and make Southaven more attractive for business investment. The mayor said some homeowners'insurance carriers may see no change for certain policies, but emphasized the primary economic impact will be on commercial insurance premiums.
What officials said: "We got the great news of moving from a class 3 to a class 2," the mayor said, praising the fire department and the utilities and administrative investments that helped secure the new rating. The mayor noted the hydrant project increased water-line capacity in annexed areas and that the city has prioritized equipment for first responders.
Next steps and context: The mayor said the city will continue efforts to reach a Class 1 rating. No formal action beyond the announcement was required; the report was part of the mayor's regular update to the board.
