SVFD Weighs Overhaul: Disappointing Returns Cause Subscription Discussion

Ted Esch. (The Herald/Joe King)

Because the Seymour Volunteer Fire Department is funded largely by donations from the community it serves, the low number of donations received from the spring mailer has many members of the SFVD Board of Directors wondering if the department can continue to operate the way it has in the past.

The current charter of Seymour Volunteer Fire Department allows for a transition to a subscription-based program, according the SVFD Board Chairman Ted Esch.

As opposed to the current structure of the SVFD, a subscription department would sell memberships to residents of the community. Similar to insurance, if a member is in need of emergency services, the SVFD would respond as per normal, but if a non-member required the department’s assistance, they would be billed.

“If they don’t pay the bill, we can sue,” Esch said.