Lumberton voters asked, again, to pay for daytime firefighters

What can you buy with two cents? Lumberton Fire and EMS officials say they can buy growing supplies, which include new fire stations, infrastructure improvements and, most importantly, up to three part-time, paid firefighters.

But it's the public's two cents they need, to do it.

Hardin County Emergency Services District #2 Fire Marshal Jim Philp said, "For now, it's one of the answers and a way to get to where it needs to be for the service commitment to the community."

Philp and Lumberton Fire and EMS Chief Dennis Gifford said from its existence, Hardin County Fire District #2 has operated solely on volunteer help to respond to emergencies like this one during daytime hours.  But as the community grows, so does the strain to grow with it.

In order to catch up, the fire district is asking its citizens, specifically residents 'outside' of the city limits of Lumberton, for a two-cent sales tax increase next month.

Gifford said, "Heaven help us if during the day we just we never know who's coming to the call."

Fire officials say during the day, most of their 40 to 50 volunteer firefighters are working their full time jobs.  They say the money they're asking for, an estimated $21,000 a month, would guarantee an answer to the community's emergency calls between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Last year, this same proposal was shot down alongside unpopular proposals that stole the limelight on the ballot. This time, the district's leaders hope citizens share their two cents on this issue, with each other and understand what it will be, without it.

Gifford said, "We deserve the best and if two pennies will get us there, we're asking for the citizens help to arrive at that point."

 Early voting begins Monday, April 27th.  Election Day is Saturday May 9th.