The Champion Town Board met on Thursday, September 24, 1998 to hold a public hearing on the formation of Champion Fire District #1-Great Bend Fire Service Area. Present were Supervisor Buckley, Councilmen Watkins, Miller, Stewart and Buzzell, John Illingworth, Great Bend Fire Dept. President, Ignacio Diaz, Great Bend Fire Dept. Chief, Brian Phelps, Don Vary, Copenhagen Fire Dept., and members of the Great Bend Fire Department.

Proof of Notice having been furnished, the public hearing on the formation of Champion Fire District #1 was called to order at 7:10PM by Supervisor Buckley.

The following person spoke in favor of the formation of the district:

John Illingworth

No one spoke against the formation of the district.

All persons desiring to be heard, having been heard, the hearing was closed at 7:45PM.

The Board questioned fire department leaders concerning the advantages of forming the district to both the department and the taxpayers. Mr. Illingworth responded that the district will collect more revenues than presently budgeted by the Town for the fire department and the district will be eligible to borrow funds at the municipal rate which is lower than the commercial rate the fire department must borrow under. There will also be a reduction in the taxes paid by the residents of the fire district.

Mr. Illingworth submitted for the Board’s consideration a slate of fire commissioners and a proposed 1999 budget.

Councilman Watkins expressed concern about adding the special district charges to the 1999 tax roll.

The meeting adjourned at 8:05PM.

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Christina Vargulick

Town Clerk