Central Fire District Seeks Tax Renewal

The Central Fire District issued the following statement on two tax renewals on the ballot this Saturday, April 24:

“Central Fire Protection District #4 respectfully asks for your consideration and support of the two renewals on the April 24 ballot.  These two renewals account for approximately one-third of the budget of the Central Fire Department and are vital to the overall operations of the district.  The $32 service charge accounts for about $400,000 annually, while the 5-mil tax for salaries and capital improvements generates about $993,000 annually.  With the projected low turnout for election day, it is vital that we have your support!”

“In the years since our last tax renewals, the Central Fire Protection District has made significant improvements.  From five strategically-located fire stations, the men and women of the Central Fire Department have continued to provide exceptional service to the community, responding to over 3,000 incidents a year.  Through the continued support of the community, the district has been able to continually increase staffing levels, now employing 40 full-time personnel and 10 part-time personnel.  Our personnel are among some of the highest-trained responders in the region, participating in not only Fire Suppression activities, but also Community Risk Reduction, Vehicle Extrication, Hazardous Materials, Technical Rescue Operations and Urban Search and Rescue.” 

“Most recently, the district has begun transitioning personnel to the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician level.  With this step, the citizens of Central will have access to a higher level of Emergency Medical Care more quickly than most of East Baton Rouge Parish.”

“In Fall 2020, the fire district conducted our Property Insurance Association of Louisiana rating, which is done every five years.  As a result, the district was able to lower its Insurance Classification from Class 3 to Class 2.  This puts the district in the top one percent of fire departments in the U.S.  This ensures that residents and businesses pay among the lowest insurance rates.”  

“These advancements would not have been possible without the tremendous support of the citizens of Central.  In order to continue to maintain operations, we must have your support on election day, this Saturday, April 24.  We thank you in advance for your consideration and ask that if you have any questions, please contact Fire Chief Stephen Branscum or Assistant Chief Derek Glover at (225)261-2000.  You can also reach out via email at info@centralfd.org.”