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Teays Valley FD Withdrawing From Putnam Co. Fire Service Board

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The Teays Valley Volunteer Fire Department is withdrawing from the Putnam County Fire Service Board.

On July 1, the department will become a private, nonprofit organization in which those who want fire protection must pay for service.

Currently, the department receives a portion of the service fee charged to all county residents. Chief John Smoot has said the department receives only 8 percent of the service fee, although about 32 percent of all fees are collected from the Teays
Valley district.

Firefighters will provide service even if residents don't pay the subscription, but the resident or business will be billed.

Officials said there is no immediate plan to increase the service fee.

The department says the change will allow it to hire fulltime firefighters, which could reduce residential insurance rates.