Turley Fire Department Faces Funding Crisis, Holds “Fill the Boot” Drive
– Turley Fire Department in Oklahoma is severely underfunded and unable to make insurance payments for their vehicles, which could prevent them from operating as a fire service.
– The department heavily relies on subscription dues from residents and businesses, but about half of the community does not pay their dues, leaving the department with limited funds.
Turley, Okla. – The Turley Fire Department in Oklahoma is facing a funding crisis and held a “Fill the Boot” drive on Saturday to raise money for the department. Captain Cameron Kleine expressed their desperate need for funds, stating that they are severely underfunded and unable to make insurance payments for their vehicles. This could potentially hinder their ability to operate as a fire service.
The Turley Fire Department operates as a Title 18 Fire Department and heavily relies on subscription dues from residents and businesses. Kleine explained that they send out subscriptions to constituents in their fire district, with residential dues amounting to $80 and commercial business dues at $180. For non-subscribed members, the fee is $500 per apparatus per hour for emergencies such as fires or motor vehicle accidents.
Unfortunately, about half of the community does not pay their fire subscription dues, leaving the department with limited funds. Kleine emphasized that most of their budget goes towards maintaining the building and paying bills. Last year, they received approximately $12,000 in subscription dues and received a $10,000 payment for responding to wildfires a few years ago. However, their fuel costs alone amount to $12,000 per year.
With their budget totaling only $22,000, the Turley Fire Department is struggling to cover their insurance costs this year. The “Fill the Boot” drive was organized in an effort to raise funds to keep the fire station running and ensure that the Turley community continues to receive essential fire services.
According to a social media post by the Turley Fire Department, they were able to raise $857 during the drive. The department hopes that these funds, along with continued support from the community, will help alleviate their financial challenges and allow them to provide the necessary services to Turley residents.
Source: www.fox23.com