Two incumbents seek election to the Guil-Rand Fire Protection Association Board of Directors, which oversees the operations of the Guil-Rand Fire Department.

The election will be held during the annual meeting set for 7:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 16, at headquarters station, 10506 S. Main St.

Fire Chief Brian Cox will review the department’s expenses and revenue for 2009-2010. Last year’s budget totaled $2,356,843. This year’s budget is $2,347,043.

The department is governed by a board of directors elected by those who live in the 72-square mile fire district. Board members are elected by community districts and serve staggered three year terms.

Part of the Board’s duties is to oversee the budget, which is primarily funded through a tax levied on the property value within the district. According to the Randolph County budget, there are 19 special fire districts. The Board of Commissioners approves each district’s tax rate during the annual budget process.

Guil-Rand’s rate is 10 cents per $100 valuation and has been at that level since the late 1950s, said Cox.

Those who wish to run or vote in the election must be 18 or older and live in the Guil-Rand Fire Department tax district.

To run for office, a resident must submit a letter of intent that includes name and address, as well as a statement about the desire to serve. The deadline is Aug. 1. Submit letters in a sealed envelope to Guil-Rand Fire Department, 10506 S. Main St.

The board will verify the accuracy of the information submitted and make a determination whether the applicant is eligible to run for the office.

The bylaws no longer allow for nominations from the floor.

The incumbents who seek re-election include Charles F. Scott, who represents Guilford County and Dewey (Mac) Stanley, Trinity.

Additional Board of Directors members include Bobby Hyde, who represents the Cedar Square area; John Hernandez, Archdale; Hunter Haworth, Mendenhall; and Walter Stanley, Hillsville.

Ronald Hughes holds the VFW Post 9899 seat, an appointed position in honor of the VFW’s role in the founding of the fire protective organization.

For more information, call the fire department at 431-2512.

Budget holds the line

The primary source of funding for the Guil-Rand Fire Department is a property tax levied at 10 cents per $100 valuation.

The department holds enough of a reserve to operate six to nine months, said Chief Brian Cox. It takes from $175,000 to $200,000 a month to operate the fire department.

Personnel $1,684,477

Supplies $65,500

Services $312,000

Debt $285,066

Capital $0

Total $2,347,043