Concord fire station plan still too costly

I am writing about The News-Herald’s coverage of the Concord fire station issue.

The Aug. 11 article was focused entirely on the trustees’ stance, but didn’t address the numerous opposing views and sensible ideas of the residents who took the time to participate in a series of public input meetings.

The township immediately came out with what appeared to be a pre-determined decision to proceed with an undefined plan for Station No. 1, which was still too large and costly. The total estimated price tag for both stations is essentially the same as the one voted down in 2019 – i.e., an exorbitant $13.75 million.

The trustees referred to the $8 million tax levy as a “just in case” amount, but we see it as a padded tax levy that will cost more than $1,600 over 26 years for a $300,000 home.

Moreover, the reporter offered no personal stories expressed by the many seniors who can’t afford the constant string of incremental tax increases.

And it’s absurd to claim the levy is justified simply because it’s approximately the same millage as the Morley Library levy. That levy will end in 2021 and provide much needed tax relief to residents, so we don’t need to add another tax that negates these savings.

Affordable Concord Taxes and our many supporters believe it is the fiduciary responsibility of our elected officials to first build a cost-effective Station No. 2 on Prouty Road with their stated $3 million in available cash at the start of construction.

Robert Sanderson Concord Township