The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

Joplin Metro

Discussion

July 25, 2009

Carl Junction Fire District takes over emergency duties for village of Airport Drive

By Mike Pound

mpound@joplinglobe.com

The chief of the Carl Junction Fire Protection District said there have been no problems since his district assumed fire-protection and emergency-response duties for the village of Airport Drive earlier this month.

“There have been no problems at all,” Bill Dunn said.

The Carl Junction fire district began serving Airport Drive on July 1. Prior to that, the Webb City Fire Department handled the village’s fire-protection and emergency calls.

Frances Haverly, village clerk, said the contract for fire- protection and emergency services is reviewed annually and the board of trustees made the decision to switch from Webb City to Carl Junction to save money.

She said Webb City had been providing fire and emergency response services for the village since at least the 1980s, but that it cost the village nearly $78,000 annually.

The contract with Carl Junction calls for the village to pay $27,746 a year.

Dunn said the rate charged the village is based on an assessment of property values within Airport Drive. By state law, Dunn said, the district must charge at least the same amount to provide services outside the district as it does for property owners inside the district.

“We haven’t had any fire calls but we have had a few medical calls,” Dunn added.

Haverly said village residents should not see any difference in coverage now that Carl Junction has taken over the duties. Haverly pointed out that the Carl Junction district has a fire station much closer to Airport Drive than Webb City.

“We are perfectly happy with Carl Junction and think they will do a good job for us,” she said.

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