The Hicksville Fire District Board of Commissioners announced this week a 2.7 percent reduction in its 2006 budget, bringing the average residential cost for highly-rated fire protection and EMS services in Hicksville to below $234 for the coming year. Additionally, with the pending Length of Service Awards Program claim expected to be resolved in 2006, district officials are already predicting a more drastic reduction in the 2007 budget. This comes at a time when nearly 70 percent of fire districts across Long Island have raised their tax rates in the double-digit numbers. Hicksville is one of only 13 of the 132 fire districts in Nassau-Suffolk reporting a decrease.

Hicksville Fire Commissioner and Chairman Anthony Wigdzinski pointed out that the fire tax paid by Hicksville residents - which amounts to just $.64 per day - provides them with four ambulances and the best trained fire volunteer department in all of New York State, which together handle approximately 1,600 calls each year.

"Our response time is excellent and our recruitment and community outreach programs are thriving. We have an award-winning Haz-Mat team, our in-house dispatch system helps prevent unnecessary delays and our firefighters are protected by the best equipment and training available," Wigdzinski said. "Unlike other fire departments on Long Island, we have a very active volunteer program and swear in new members a couple of times each year."

Despite increases in necessary expenditure such as insurance, utilities, firefighter training and gear, as well as typical rises in cost-of-living expenses, the district was able to save money for taxpayers.

"To achieve the reduction, we took a close hard look at each budget line and aggressively cut costs in every possible way without compromising the safety of our volunteers and the Hicksville community," said Wigdzinski. "Unfortunately, we are still burdened with resolving a federal age discrimination claim that dates back to 2004 when we were forced to increase taxes significantly to set aside $1.1 million to cover the claim and our legal fees until the case is settled. Once that occurs, and we have every reason to believe that it will be resolved sometime in 2006, we expect to see a much more significant reduction in taxes for 2007.

"Residents should take an interest in how their tax money is being spent and learn about the excellent fire protection and EMS services they receive in Hicksville at a very low cost," Wigdzinski concluded. "The community is encouraged to reach out to any of the five fire commissioners who serve them by calling 933-6445 or stop by a board meeting at the firehouse on East Marie Street at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of most months. Questions and comments are always welcome."