In case you're wondering, we obtained a copy of the grant via the Freedom of Information Act, and discovered the following Issues in red:
A Utilizing a five-year federal grant totaling $433,520, the township decided to hire four full-time firefighter/fire inspectors in October.
The grant was filled out fraudulently.
B. If you look at the date on this Grant Application, you see it was done 06-26-2008. If this is a 5 year grant, why is it that THEY SAT ON THE GRANT FOR 3 YEARS!!
C. They also state on the application, that this is an ALL Volunteer Organization. THAT'S TOTALLY UNTRUE. The Volunteer fire departments have PAID fire Chiefs
D. They state that they will pay for the remaining costs that the grant won't cover through through "inspection fees and other reimbursed fees, and
In the first three years, there should be no impact (on local expenditures)."
If this is the case, why are they planning on taking (If they hadn't already.) $40,000 from EACH volunteer fire department??
E.They're claiming that the volunteers are not accepting of this.
"Some volunteers feel threatened, thinking that we're going to go to an all-paid department. Nothing could be further from the truth," he continued.
Harran added, "You're always going to have a group of people who don't want to change with the times. But this is something needed, and the township and mayor recognized it. He does not mess around when it comes to public safety."
The volunteers have been concerned about this, because of how its going to be funded, in particular how they are having to give $20,000 per fire house! They are also concerned over not having been given the SAFERS Grant voluntarily, but had to obtain it under the Freedom of Information Act, because Harran REFUSED to give it to them!!
I for one can't wait for when the Fire Fighters come up to Council, and make Fred Squirm!!
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