The Firehouse Conundrum August 6, 2012
It appears the taxpayers are in the process of getting rolled once more.
As a point of reference, the Firehouse across Hwy 71 and Brooken Hill cost $700,000. Construction costs have gone up significantly since it was built, but have they gone up more than 4 times? Is this opulence in the making? Is it an effort to “keep up with the Jones’s†when the circumstances are totally inappropriate?
What is the genesis of the $3 million figure to construct a station at Chaffee Crossing, particularly in view that only 50% of the developmental phase is completed and the contract has been let to build? Build what?
Furthermore; what construction credentials does the Fire Chief have that would allow him to determine the bid price and the construction company? And only then go through the formality of asking for Board approval? Crony Capitalism?
Then there is the matter of Chief Mike Richards demanding 2 or 3 more new ladder trucks without factual justification regarding need. There are all kinds and numbers of excellent used ladder trucks available on the internet that would serve Fort Smith very nicely at the quarter of the cost of a new one.
This is another case of taxpayers foolishly putting millions in the hands of politicians, bureaucrats & opportunists. The city is awash in tax money and very little public accountability.
A public discussion has been requested on numerous occasions about the aforementioned activities while the City Manager and Board of Directors have remained silent.
Why is this?