>>>>Worst case the city (or whomever the firefighters worked for) should have sent a bill for the $75 fee AFTER putting out the fire - put a lien on the house if needed.
>>>>
>>>>I agree...collect it afterwards. It's just ridiculous to refuse to fight a fire based on $75.
>>>
>>>How about car insurance... do you think your premiums should be collected only after you're responsible for a claim?
>>
>>Irrelevant.
>>
>>Can your car insurance company prevent damage during an accident? The fire department can.
>
>I'm just playing devil's advocate, and pointing out the way some government functionary was thinking.
>
>IMO this is an example of what should actually be a mandatory municipal tax. Wow, I can't believe I just advocated a tax increase, but there you go...

I'm with you. There's no excuse for such a basic service not being covered by tax dollars. No one should have to pay separately for a fire company.

Tamar