DEFERIET — The Deferiet Volunteer Fire Department's practice of filling up swimming pools in the summertime was on the hot seat at Wednesday's village Board of Trustees meeting.
Residents and Trustee Harry W. Peck raised concerns about the fundraising tool, saying that times have changed and fuel prices have risen since the service was first approved by a different board.
Fire Chief Allen Dingman said Thursday that filling pools is a common fundraiser for fire departments, and while it doesn't bring in much money, it helps to train new firefighters in the operations of the trucks.
"A lot of fire departments do this because they're not supported like they should be by villages, so they have to do fundraising," he said.
Jane W. Dingman, who is Deferiet's mayor and Mr. Dingman's wife, told trustees and residents the pool-filling fundraiser is necessary for the Fire Department's budget.
"That extra is the extra that makes the budget without having to raise the village taxes," she said.
Donations for pool-filling services are based on mileage rates. The rate goes up in increments of 5 miles, said Timothy Irey, first assistant fire chief.
Residents were concerned about Fire Department tankers leaving the coverage area to fill pools and using the treated hydrant water for things other than firefighting.
"I'm a little upset because there are three hydrants within the village that are tagged out" of service, Mr. Peck said. "It's an issue that we need to look at."
Mr. Dingman said the Fire Department has a plan if it receives a call while filling a pool outside the coverage area.
"It's the same plan as if the truck is getting the oil changed or maintenance work, or if training is going on," he said. "Call mutual aid."
One resident claimed to have seen the Deferiet tanker as far away as Deer River.
There also were doubts about whether pool filling is an efficient way to raise money with current fuel prices. Mr. Irey said the funds for fuel are in the budget.
Mr. Peck said he plans to pursue this matter with the Board of Trustees.
