UPDATE: The Lafayette City Parish Council voted 8-1 Tuesday in favor of a new fire district for the unincorporated areas of Lafayette. The moves means that the formation of the district and its boundaries will be now be established.
The resolution does not implement any new tax.
ORIGINAL: On Tuesday, the Lafayette City-Parish Council voted on a resolution to solidify their intention to create a fire district for the unincorporated area. The vote could also include talks of a new tax for unincorporated residents.
Currently, municipal fire stations respond to the unincorporated areas of Lafayette parish. However, Councilman Kevin Naquin says that support is running thin. “This is a lot of pressure on these smaller towns and the city of Lafayette to come way out here to respond to a fire; then you are leaving your local towns short incase another fire breaks out,” Naquin says.
Naquin adds the shaded areas of the map are municipalities with fire fighting services. The unshaded section is unincorporated with no dedicated services. “There is a lot of unincorporated area that needs protection and are currently getting protection based on whatever we can pay Duson to help out, to pay Scott to help or pay Judice.”
If the proposed fire district is created, then residents living in the unincorporated areas of Lafayette Parish could be asked to approve a millage. “The money stays dedicated for the unincorporated areas to where we can implement personnel, better trucks, better service and potentially put a fire station somewhere in this area.”
Lafayette Fire Chief Robert Benoit says it’s too early to say if the proposed fire district would bring forth an improved fire rating. He says the fire rating will in part depend on how the district is mapped-out and funded. “How much equipment do you have, what is your water source like and what is your communications look like,” Benoit states.
The chief agrees the quality fire protection and fire rating could lower homeowner’s insurance premiums. “The bottom line is the more personnel, equipment and stations you have, with a good water source; the better the classification you are going to enjoy,” Chief Benoit explains.
“We’re going to pay an astronomical amount in homeowners insurance and still have a lack of response. Is that what we are willing to do?” Naquin asks.
