The Dawson County Board of Commissioners announced Thursday the Insurance Services Office (ISO) has completed an analysis of the fire suppression delivery service in the county resulting in a lowered Public Protection Class (PPC) for many areas of the county.

In a presentation to the Board at the June 12 work session Emergency Services Director Billy Thurmond said, “For those living within five miles of any of the seven Dawson County fire stations, you will now have a Public Protection Class Six.” This change is effective August 1, 2008.

ISO reached the decision to lower the Public Protection Class ratings reflective of several recent improvements in fire alarm and communications, the water supply system and the fire department itself.

The lowering of the Public Protection Class is effectively passed on to citizens in the form of savings on their property insurance. According to Thurmond, “If you were a class nine or seven before this evaluation, you will save money on your property insurance.” Thurmond said this could mean an annual savings of $800 of a $250,000 home that was formerly rated class nine and will now be rated as class six.

Dawson County resident Sharon Fausett, who lives near the Amicalola Falls station, will see improvements in her property insurance premiums. “I am currently a class nine and will go to a six,” said Fausett. “I’m really excited about this especially in this economy when everything is going up and my insurance agent tells me my premiums are going down.” She added, “I’m impressed with what (Dawson County Emergency Services) has done and I’m excited that it has been passed on to us. I don’t take them for granted.” Fausett’s insurance agent has expressed she will see savings of between 20-30% on her September renewal.

Dawson County was last reviewed by the ISO in 1988 resulting in scores of public protection classes seven, nine and 10. This recent review resulted in two classes for the county—classes six and 10. Director Thurmond noted the county has opportunities for more improvements including the addition of four new pumper/tanker trucks and two service trucks along with the construction of Station Two and the new burn tower. These projects will be funded through SPLOST IV and impact fees.

Source:  Dawson County Government and Community Affairs