Jim Ashmore, Fred Ross, Mark Heath, Chuck Bertrand, Robert Barta, Joey Woolley, Pat Hughes, Marc Bateman, Cheryl Minchew, Kathy Golden, Gina Landrum, Romain Barski and Larry Danna.
A workshop was held recently at the Pecan Grove Volunteer Fire Department (PGVFD) station, located at 727 Pitts Road, to discuss ways and means of solving the financial crisis that PGVFD now faces. In attendance were fire department representatives and delegates from every homeowner association in the area.
During the meeting, the group reviewed the fire department’s budget for 2014. Revenue was projected to be $425,808 and expenses $533,440. It was noted that this chronic deficit has depleted the fire department’s capital reserves and a cutback in paid firefighters is inevitable unless revenue increases. The cutback will allow for only two firefighters on duty 24/7.
The PGVFD serves two main subdivisions, Pecan Grove and Waterside Estates, as well as many other areas west of Harlem Road. “It’s so important for the people of Pecan Grove and Waterside to realize that this is their community fire department, and it is not supported by any tax dollars,” explained PGVFD Board President Chuck Bertrand. “This financial crisis illustrates that we need to find a more reliable way to finance the fire department.”
The group reviewed the PGVFD Financial Crisis Description and agreed that its message should be communicated to the Pecan Grove and Waterside Estates residents as quickly as possible. The leaders agreed to use their homeowner association communication channels as well as their personal e-mail lists to spread the word. The PGVFD’s goal is that once the public becomes aware that their fire department is in severe financial difficulty, individuals who have not been contributing financial support monthly or annually will begin to do so.
For further information or to assist the PGVFD, please contact Chuck Bertrand at 713-553-5540.