Rescind fire inspection fees

We, the undersigned, respectfully urge members of the Hillsboro City Council to rescind legislation which authorized the aforementioned Jan. 11, 2010 Public Notice from Hillsboro Fire and Rescue.

As written, this Public Notice if not rescinded or modified would result in yearly inspection fees ranging from $25 to $250 on Hillsboro businesses, schools and other entities.

What remains unclear in this Public Notice are the potential penalties or fines which may be levied should an entity fail to pass the inspection, or refuse to permit an inspection. Also unclear is the potential for additional departmental expenses related to said inspections.

Moreover, with Highland County leading the entire state of Ohio in unemployment at a staggering 16.1 percent, we feel this legislation adds an unreasonable expense and undue burden to local businesses, many of which are struggling to remain viable in this most difficult economy.

With all due respect, we do not see this as a business friendly city ordinance; nor can we imagine that this was the genuine intention of council at the time the ordinance was approved.

While we greatly appreciate the efforts of Hillsboro Fire and Rescue, as well as Hillsboro City Council, we nevertheless feel compelled to urge you to rescind this onerous mandate.

Thank you for your time and consideration.