The agenda includes:
• Reports from the chief and treasurer on 2017 activities and expenses. Recognition of firefighter accomplishments. Presentation of the 2018 budget, and an explanation of the new dues schedule.
• Election of board members. Three seats (two two-year positions, and one one-year position) are up for election this year. Nominations (or volunteers to stand for election!) will be taken from the floor. You must be a member of the association and be physically present in order to vote.
There is a new subscription fee schedule that is being instituted this year, after 25 years of no increases. Rising costs and an increase in services give no choice but to increase the dues, but board members hope that the new schedule will not prove burdensome, while providing the funds needed to continue the professional grade services provided to the community.
The new dues schedule beginning this year will be:
• Private Residence & Farm up to 125 contiguous acres - $125. Every additional non-contiguous vacant piece of land owned - $25
• Home Business/Residence combo under 125 acres - $175
• Private Residence & Farm over 125 - 500 contiguous acres- $225
• Acreage no structures up to 20 acres- $40
• Acreage no structures 21-125 contiguous acres - $75
• Acreage with no structures 126-500 contiguous acres - $100
• Acreage with structures up to 20 acres - $60
• Acreage with structures 21-125 contiguous acres - $100
• Acreage with structures 126-500 contiguous acres- $175
• Any parcels over 500 contiguous acres - $250
• Commercial Businesses- $225
For more information about the annual meeting, please (208) 267-8674 or email admin@northbenchfire.com.