Jeff , you obviously dont know much about the OCFD,Deltona, or VCFS for that matter. There is a reason the mayor compared Deltona to a "Cadillac" and Orange City to just another car to "get around in".

OCFD cannot provide the same level of service that the county is currently provideing. If there was a major incident under OCFD's watch, they would have to call on the county. TRT,hazmat incident,manpower etc. OCFD is not at same level as Deltona or the county.

As far as the old tanker is concerned, the county buys 3 new engines and two new tankers a year. OCFD buys one engine every ten years. The tanker for Debary was lined up , but pushed back.

The county proposed to put a second station in Debary down by the river, if Debary had entered into a long term contract. Could OCFD afford to build Debary another station? I dont think so , They run out of a water treament plant now.

The only losers here are the citizens of Debary , going to a lower standard of Fire/EMS care, that only OCFD can provide.

Lynn, point well taken and I can relate! LOL

No argument here Mr. Meister. Your definition of negotiate is a good one and more diplomacy could have been used. The entire exchange between Councilman Marks & Sheriff Johnson was, to say the least, embarrassing to watch. The follow up article in the paper wasn't much better. But, when my cardiologist tells me I need an operation to save my life. The cost is not open for negotiation nor should it be. To me and this is only MY opinion mind you, the same applies to the police and fire protection.

Lynn, not trying to start an disagreement but Mr. Mark's negotiating skills were more of a dictating his point and only his is right.

I believe that negotiation is when you sit down and both sides provide a figure and discussion will lead to a solution. Neither the City nor the County wanted to budge from their point of view and if Sheriff Johnson did back down in that particular forum, he can be manhandled. No win situation but could have been handled with better diplomacy.

Hey I have an idea!!!!

Lets pay HALF A MILLION dollars more for EVERY city department just so we can call ourselves cadillacs or W/E. Of corse we would still be getting the SAME EXACT THING but we would just pay more ... well ... just for bragging rights and cuz were all rich like that!!

Orange City's standards are as high if not higher than current levels serving DeBary. Our staff has the certifications and training to compete with any department in the State and will do a more efficient job of providing the same level of services to the citizens of DeBary.

And in fact the equipment upgrades will be greater than any provided by Volusia County, an example is the new tender that will replace a 25 year old one. All included in the contract price. It will even be owned by The City of DeBary to provide capital goods for future considerations.

Orange City has one of the most efficient and cost effective Fire Departments in the area and it will be a benefit to Debary citizens. Price and quality are two different things seems to me the Cadillac is nothing but an overpriced Chevy

hahahaha bitter fat union members that live on columba road crack me up!!

Just because you THINK your the lamboferrarmaserillacs of the entire world doesn't mean you are.. but by all means bobble your little heads if it makes you feel better :-)

Oh and maybe you should listen to you tax payers and service your whole city before you try to ruin another one.

BOBBLE ON!!!

Mr. Meister, I agree that negotiation is a good tool but, in this case I don't think it could be used. There are some things that are just not open to it. Such as fire & police service. Remember last time the Sheriff's Dept. contract came up. Councilman Marks tried to negotiate and was told in no uncertain terms that the contract was not open to that. Not if we wanted to maintain the same level of protection that DeBary currently enjoys. I for one do not want my council to nickel and dime my police or fire protection to death. There are many other areas the city could and should use this very useful tool but not these.

SOLD TO THE LOWEST BIDDER!!

I still say that we should have sat down and do what some on this City Council refuse to do

and that is negotiate!!

Here is one for you, Unbelievable. The contract for our police service is next year. Can you say protected and served by Orange City?

Unbelievable. At least OC now relizes its the 'Chevy Cavalier" of the Fire department. As a resident of Debary, we deserve more. My tax money should be bringing in the same level of services the county was/is providing instead of dropping its standards to Orange City's level. We should beg the county an bid.