Macedon Residents Speak Out About Proposed Changes in Fire Coverage
A public hearing was held Thursday night discussing proposed changes to coverage for the Macedon Fire Department.
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Residents at the meeting describe a tiring and longstanding dispute between the town and village boards of Macedon. After three hours of discussion, the town board decided to table the proposal.
It was a packed house for Thursday night's public hearing, which dealt with proposed changes in coverage for the Village of Macedon Fire Department, which has served the community for more than 100 years.
According to the town board, the village board does not give them a say in how fire services and equipment are bought and purchased.
The town board proposed that the Macedon Center Fire Department would extend current coverage, which is currently the area north of the Erie Canal, to cover the area south of the canal as well.
The town board had planned to build new firehouse, staffed with new volunteers, for a cost they said would be around $95,000.
Town board member David Maul said the village board has refused to compromise on funding.
"Since the village board has made it clear that we are merely a customer, we recognize the right that all customers have, that you yourselves exercise on a daily basis, and that is to take your business to the vendor of your choice," said Maul.
Residents spoke out about a potential decrease in safety and response time.
"I think you're making a huge mistake. You're wasting our resources," said one resident. "Macedon Center is farther from our homes. The volunteers are farther from our homes. They won't be able to protect us.
"My main concern is the safety and security of the people that pay your budgets. What assurances can you give them that your response time is going to be adequate. You can't right now," said another resident.
The town's current contract with the Village Fire Department lasts through the end of the year.