Controversy continues over Kincardine’s plan to end its membership in the Paisley Fire Board.
The Paisley Fire Department serves the area of the former Bruce Township that is closer to Paisley than it is to Tiverton.
A meeting was held in November and 25 people attended — among them members of the Tiverton District Ratepayers Association, and other concerned property owners.
The ratepayers told Kincardine Councillor Mike Leggett that they wanted council to reconsider its plan to withdraw from the board.
Leggett agreed to bring their concerns to council, but also stated his support for withdrawal would not change.
Councillor Randy Roppel (roo-pull) says ratepayers like the service they’re receiving now and do not want it to change.
Leggett says nothing will change — the approximately 350 affected properties will still receive fire service from Paisley like the do now.
He notes the only difference is that Kincardine will not be a part owner of the department.
Councillor Gordon Campbell believes some of the area currently served by Paisley should instead be served by Tiverton.
Mayor Larry Kraemer supports withdrawal from the board.
He says the biggest reason is that the Ontario Fire Marshall’s Office recommended to Arran-Elderslie that it eliminate the fire board and instead establish a fire department controlled by just one municipality.
Kraemer says service for residents will not change at all.
Kincardine will pay Arran-Elderslie for the service, instead of being a part owner.