TRAININGS AT 6:30PM ON FIRST, THIRD AND FIFTH TUESDAY NIGHTS....EVERYONE IS WELCOME...

Annexation Questions and Answers

As stated in recent media, the West Marshall Fire Department is seeking to annex the Pioneer Fire Association areas located west of the City of Benton.  Who does this affect?

If you live outside of the city limits on any of the following roads:

  • Symsonia Highway
  • Jackson School Road
  • Oak Level Highway
  • Breezeel School Road
  • Castleberry Lane
  • New Harmony Road
  • Cas-Cal Drive
  • Briley Way
  • Oak Shadow Drive
  • Carriage Lane
  • Pleasant Valley Road
  • Houser Road
  • Cole Lane
  • Slickback Road
  • Harvey Road
  • Gibson Lane
There may be other roads that connect to these, so if you have a question as to whether you are in our annexation area, ask us.  

Why do you wish to annex?

We wish to annex because we have the ability to provide a service that can potentially save citizens money.  This is not about one fire department being any better, worse or different than another.  West Marshall has an advantage that we have the vehicles and operational guidelines that we can give a rural rating that can benefit the citizens in this area.  We also feel that the funds that citizens in this area contribute to fire protection should go back into this area in the form of buildings, vehicles and personnel.

Our mission as a public service entity is to first respond to emergencies and provide the best service we can for life protection and property conservation.  Our goal is to do this at a minimum of expense to a taxpayer.  

What about insurance?  Will my rates go down?

Manifestly this answer is yes.  There are specific circumstances in which you may not see a significant drop.  For example, if you have poor credit and have a lengthy claim history, you will still see some reduction, but not as much as someone with a good credit score and small claim history.  Someone with State Farm will see no benefit, as State Farm does not recognize ISO. We're not in the business of selling or advertising insurance, but as you've seen previously ISO ratings cause significant drops in premiums, so we would recommend to shop around for the best coverage at the best price. 

Why can't I just stay where I am and receive this lower rating?  I live within 2 miles of West Marshall.

Because ISO gives this rating to the PRIMARY responding agency.  In order for you to receive this rating and discounts, you must be annexed into WMFD.

Don't we have to pay a tax with you guys?

Yes, West Marshall IS a fire taxing district.  We hate the word "tax" as much as anyone, but let me give you examples of how you will save money by paying a tax:

Example 1:  A 100,000 dollar house with Class 9 rating.
Your annual policy is $1495.78 (actual quote with local company)
Let's assume you pay $60.00 to Pioneer every year.
That totals $1555.78

Now, the same house, 100,000 with a Class 5 rating.
Your annual policy would be $958.59 (actual quote).
If your house is PVA assessed at 100,000 dollars, you would pay $75.00 per year to WMFD.  However, you would save overall $522.19 per year even after paying taxes.  

Example 2:  A 200,000 house with Class 9 - $2547.04
Same house, Class 5 - $1323.06 and $150.00/yr in taxes.  Now you save $1073.98 even if you don't pay Pioneer dues.  

So you can see the savings.  

We're going to be speaking with many of you, so if you have any questions, feel free to call or email us.  A good contact number is (270) 703-0819.  


No comments:

Post a Comment