Law resolves fire disagreement

During a March meeting of Hot Spring County Quorum Court, the justices of the peace discussed fire service for a group of homes within the city of Rockport.

According to a city of Rockport ordinance that was presented to the JPs, the city entered has entered into a contract with the Rockport-Mount Willow Fire Department.

“The City Council of the City of Rockport feels it is within the best interest of all property owners within the city to have fire protection with a lower Fire Insurance Rating. This will allow the property owners to save money on their home insurance,” according to the ordinance. “Some property owners within the city are within another fire department area and are paying dues to another fire department. (They) can pay their dues to Rockport-Mount Willow Fire Department and receive the lower fire rating and their property will fall under this contract. Dues will automatically be put on the county tax books.”

After the passage of this ordinance, Hot Spring County Judge Dennis Thornton was contacted to request that the 911 Call Center changes the boundaries of the Rockport-Mount Willow Fire Department to include the homes that are located within the city of Rockport. That request caused the conversation before the county’s quorum court.

During the discussion it was noted that about 50 homes were located within the Magnet Cove Volunteer Fire Department protection district.

At the end of the meeting it was determined that representatives from the city of Rockport, the two fire departments and the JPs would meet to discuss this again at another time.

While researching the issue further, County Attorney George Hopkins found a state law involving fire service within municipalities.

“No property located within the bounds of a municipality shall be assessed, taxed, or required to pay fees to any fire protection district after March 29, 1995, unless: There is a mutual, formal agreement between the municipality and the fire protection district to provide fire protection services to the property; or bonded indebtedness for fire protection equipment or facilities was incurred by the fire protection district prior to the date of annexation of such property and the indebtedness incurred before annexation has not been retired,” according to this law.

Under this law, the RockportMount Willow will provide fire services to the homes within the city of Rockport.