Trustees need to listen to all sides

Editor,

The citizens of Big Arm and others falling under the jurisdiction of Polson Fire Department are once again concerned by the fire department's activities. At a recent trustees meeting a budget was presented that requires more money than will be available by the recently passed mil levy. Former mil levies had not passed ostensibly due to perceived lack of fiscal management.

Big Arm citizens organized support for keeping the fire hall in operation, when current management deemed it too expensive and unstaffable.

Without thoughtful discussion over issues, old wounds are again opened and mistrust and suspicion eat up energies better focused on responsible policy. Some have voiced concern that the trustees (taxpayer advocates) are working for the fire department, rather than the fire department working for the taxpayer.

Another issue is the lack of discussion about the type of equipment to be purchased, which comprises a large percentage of the budget. There is a wealth of experience from many members of the community with all types of fire fighting situations and it is felt that the equipment has already been selected. The equipment proposed may not give the most "bang for the buck" in non-urban situations.

More worrisome to the community is the failure to objectively look at all sides of an issue in order to determine most effective courses of action. To do otherwise is to wait for a train wreck.

Taxpayers are very wary of being shortchanged when it means their house may burn down. There is fabulous community support and a wealth of cerebral talent available. Stop grousing about personalities and do the job that needs doing.

Kristin Osborn

Big Arm