Property owners within Central and East Oktibbeha County volunteer fire departments’ coverage areas and Sturgis city limits could pay lower insurance premiums after the areas were given Class 7 ratings by the Mississippi State Ratings Bureau, Oktibbeha County Fire Services Coordinator Kirk Rosenhan said.
The improvements come after MSRB officials arrived in Oktibbeha County for inspection and testing of the county fire services, he said, and recently went into effect.
The entirety of Central’s and East’s fire districts improved from a Class 8 rating, Rosenhan said, while the new Class 7 rating only applies to residents within the Sturgis city limits, as its volunteer fire department also assists in outlying county areas.
“We’re asking those who live in the improved areas contact their insurance agents to check on any potential savings on premiums that’s out there for them now,” he said.
District 5 earned a Class 7 rating last year, and the same designation was applied to Maben’s incorporated territory. The Adaton/Self Creek Volunteer Fire Department’s district remains a Class 8, while Bell Schoolhouse Volunteer Fire Department’s coverage area remains at the minimum Class 10 rating.
A rated fire district is currently being organized for Bell Schoolhouse, Rosenhan said.
Fire ratings are based on many factors, including a department’s ability to supply and pump water; the age and type of firefighting apparatuses it employs; personnel staffing and training; fire department’s coverage areas; record keeping; and the county’s 911 system.
Rosenhan said he’s hopeful the county’s fire departments will continue to improve in its ratings and noted Central was close to achieving a Class 6 designation this year.
Once formed, the Bell Schoolhouse district could achieve a Class 8 rating after testing is performed, Rosenhan said.
“We’re at the cusp of being ready to have those tests, too. We have the legal fire district all laid out at this point,” he said.
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.