Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Response topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents warn merger could lengthen response times; officials point to mixed ISO data
Summary
Several residents said consolidation could increase response times for remote areas; department leaders cited call data and Insurance Services Office ratings showing mixed effects depending on hydrant and water access.
During a public comment period residents from Riggles Gap and other rural areas said a consolidation could extend emergency response times for some addresses. Resident Himes said the board appeared to have made up its mind and asked whether closure of Pinecroft would lengthen response times for people who live farther from Excelsior's station.
Jack and other department representatives said ISO (Insurance Services Office) ratings vary by area and that infrastructure (hydrants or certified ponds) strongly affects numerical ratings; Jack cited Excelsior's ISO at about 5.9 while rural pockets without water access would keep a higher (worse) rating. The board also cited call data: both companies responded to roughly 575 calls last year, with many on Interstate‑99 and Route 220, and said consolidated dispatch and unified command could reduce overlapping responses.
