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In a subsequent letter from Graves Brothers dated November 16, 1987, the Company states that the South County Fire District Winter Beach station depends on their water tank for water supply and again request primary fire protection from South County as well as assistance in maintaining the water tank. ALTERNATIVES & ANALYSIS The populace of Indian River County noted in a prior referendum that the area North of Hobart Road would be provided by the vol- unteer entities in the North County area funded by tax revenues through the North Indian River County Fire Taxing District. To modify or change this responsibility would require another referendum. Both North and South County Fire District equipment use the water supply from the elevated water tank at Graves Brothers on occassion having been given permission prior by Graves Brothers without any restrictions or concessions. A meeting was arranged with Charles T. Ranson, Executive Vice President of Graves Brothers Company by Doug Wright on November 24, 1987, at 2:00 p.m. During the meeting Mr. Ranson was advised of the responsibilities of the fire districts, and the process that would have to occur prior to any change in primary responders. Discussion of the abandoned service station for the Wabasso Vol- unteer Fire Department and maintenance of the elevated water tank were covered at length. The use of the service station would be very short term according to Mr. Ranson and maintenance of the elevated water tower would be approximately $10,000 every four to five years. RECOMMENDATION Graves Brothers Company was assured that if any fire should occur at their facility that was beyond the resources of the North County Fire District to combat and control, Mutual Aid Pacts are in place to avail the entire resources of Indian River County on short notice. Mr. Ranson was also advised of the increased firefighter training - on going in the North County Fire District as well as the recent acquisition of a 5,000 tanker. It is recommended that the respective fire districts continue to serve as primary responder in their assigned district. A short term resolution to housing the Wabasso Volunteer Fire Depart- ment equipment in the abandoned service station does not appear feasible in terms of insurance costs, building repairs, maintenance, etc. Preferably, Wabasso Volunteer Fire Department should seek a location for permanent housing of equipment. The maintenance of the elevated water tank by the North County Fire District is not recommended due to the financial status in the North County area and limited revenues generated each year to operate five fire departments at six locations. Administrator Balczun believed the memo speaks for itself. He advised that it is not financially feasible for the county to fix up that garage for the fire trucks, and staff suggests that we thank the Graves Brothers for their offer, but respectfully decline to accept it. DEC 242 .1987 65 BOOK 70 PAGE 445 L