Pointe Coupee, LA, District Fire Chief Takes Pay Cut Amid Budget Woes
The district fire chief in Pointe Coupee has taken a pay cut as the parish struggles with budget issues.
District Two Fire Chief Aaron Edwards now commands District One as well since the board decided to merge them.
Residents in Fire District One told WBRZ their calls for help have gone unanswered as the number of volunteers dwindles.
"They didn't have volunteers in the past for whatever reason and there were no part-timers on duty," Edwards said, adding he is focused on recruitment and retention.
"If we have five people in Fire District Two and five people in Fire District One, that's 10 people for both districts' manpower for that day on that dual rating system. That would bring down the points. The lower the fire rating, the better."
However, Fire Districts One and Two are both facing budget cuts.
"Fire District One lost $300,000 roughly when the barge companies decided to leave."
Parish officials also cite a recent reassessment of public service properties for decreased funds. Edwards has already taken a pay cut himself and has other ideas for saving money.
"Cut off unnecessary spending, save the taxpayers some dollars and be able to tackle the budget issues."
Edwards is pleading with voters in Morganza to pass a measure when they go to the polls on Dec. 7. He said the cost the average homeowner an additional $37 per year in property taxes.
"If approved, we will have the ability to add more firefighters on staff, recruit and train more volunteers, and update aging equipment," he explained in a message on the department's Facebook page.
