[listenhillary]

If they did it for this guy, they would have to do it for everybody. No one would pay their dues and the fire service would cease to exist.

They should/could have a provision to bill upon arrival, but it better be about 5 times the actual cost of service. We'll put it out, sign here for us to put a lein on your property for $5,000.00. Payment is expected with this years property tax bill.

[SampleMan]

It would have to be much higher than x5, as most people will know that they aren't going to have a major fire every five years. Indeed it would have to be 20 to 30 times the annual dues rate to have the desired effect.

Then the story would be, "Fire Department Demands $20,000 Payment to Fight Fire"

[Gabz]

Volunteer fire companies I've had experience with (DE,MD,VA) do not have a pay or burn policy, so I find this concept sort of "out there."

I have no idea how much I contribute to the local VFDs. There is a certain amount included in property taxes, that ranges from 2 to 7 cents per $1000 of assessed value, and I don't bother keeping track of my personal contributions because I participate in so many various fundraisers at so many different ones.

The concept just makes no sense to me.........but if it works for other communities, who am I to tell them differently?