Turley fire protection may shift to Berryhill district management

Описание: TURLEY, OKLA (KTUL) — Turley, a community long served by its volunteer fire department, may soon see a change in its fire protection management.

Berryhill Fire Protection District is proposing to take over, aiming to provide steady funding and long-term staffing. Currently, Turley's fire department operates on an annual budget of less than $25,000, relying on donations and a voluntary $100 fee from property owners.

The proposed plan would introduce a small tax through property bills, potentially reducing costs for most residents.

Berryhill Fire Protection District Chief Mike Hall explained, "It would change them from paying an annual subscription of about $100 to paying an ad valorem which would be an additional rate on their taxes they paid to the county. But it would generally be a little bit lower for most of the residents."

The merger aims to enhance resources, including adding an ambulance by year-end. Despite concerns about the distance between Turley and Berryhill, Hall emphasized the focus is on structure, not geography.

Turley volunteer firefighter Enrique Duron-Galvan noted, "It really helps out a lot to be able to keep that coverage and show the community of Turley that we are here no matter what to be here for the community at all times."

Business owner Jarrodd Freeman Sr. added, "Anything that would help with faster response times, because I see a lot of fires out here, so I think it'd be great."

Similar mergers have occurred in Tulsa County, including with the Oakhurst Fire Department. Community meetings on the petition will be held on Friday, Jan. 23 at O’Brien Park from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., with a second meeting on Sunday, Feb. 8 at a to be determined location.

Read story: https://ktul.com/news/local/turley-fi...

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