Fire Department/Emergency/Medical Services Millage (3.91 Mills)
Keeping our parish safe starts with reliable emergency services. This millage funds essential firefighting equipment, maintenance, insurance, and Acadian Ambulance services. Without it, response times would increase, equipment might fail, and property insurance costs could rise. Ambulance coverage would also be reduced, with Acadian Ambulance assigning just one truck to the parish instead of one on each side of the river, further delaying response times.
This millage ensures our first responders have the tools they need to protect us.
Cost examples:
One firefighter’s helmet: $299
Jaws of life spreader/cutter: $15,940
Annual fuel cost: $45,000
Annual firetruck repair and general maintenance: $150,000
Firetruck and Heavy Rescue Truck: $1,615,800 million
Annual electricity bills for all St. James Parish Fire Station $41,000
Approximate insurance annual cost: $240,000
The annual operating cost for the St. James Parish Volunteer Fire Department, without purchasing new trucks or making major building repairs, is roughly 1 million a year. Approximately a quarter of this funding goes to insurance.
