New ISO ratings force fire departments to spend more on new station

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A last minute change in Lake County's new fire station's construction plans has two departments digging into their budgets.
 
Lake County and Clermont Fire Rescue agreed in 2014 to split the cost of a $1.2 million fire station. Channel 9 discovered the plans are no longer up to par with new standards.
 
Both departments will have to pay another $55,000 for new garage doors after new Insurance Services Office ratings were released in November.
 
Lake County Fire Rescue Chief John Joliff said the change couldn't have been predicted because the last ISO rating was in 2005, and 10 years left a lot of time for things to change.
 
The new building's rendering could end up hurting their new and improved rating. A lower rating could lead to higher insurance premiums for property owners.
 
"That's what triggered us to get back together with Clermont, since it's a joint 50-50 split, and agree to -- we need to put four garage doors on this thing," Joliff said.
 
Joliff said if they pay now, it could save residents from having to pay later.
 
Clermont City Council approved the city's share of the new bill on Tuesday night. Lake County commissioners will decided next week.
 
If Lake County approves, the station could be open as early as summer.

Cox Media Group