Evening star., 1941-02-12
Bethesda Faces
Possibility Of
Fire Rate Hike
Underwriters Fear
Conflict Between
Rival Firemen

Residents in and near Bethesda,
Md, may be required to pay higher
premiums on fire insurance unless
the situation created by having both
paid and volunteer fire departments
in that community is solved to the
satisfaction of underwriters, it ap-
peared today.
The possibility was disclosed at a
meeting of the Montgomery County
Commissioners yesterday when the
board received a letter from the
Middle Department Rating ASsocia-
ton, which sets the premium scale.
President Thomas Earle Hampton
commented that so far the paid and
volunteer departments have taken
no action detrimental to the COM
munity. but that it is possible that
the rates may be increased unless
the situation is clarified.
Fought Flames Together.
He added that he has been advised
that the two departments have re-
sponded to several large fires re-
Gently and worked together side by
side without friction, and that both
companies had well equipped ap-
paratus.
In commenting on the two fire
departments, the rating association
wrote the commissioners:
I'VE feel that because of this
condition there is a potential danger
OF there being conflict of authority
when both companies respond to
fire in Bethesda or vicinity. This.
as you well can realize, is detri-
mental to efficient fire fighting.
Consequently, we would like to have
an expression from you as to whom
YOU have or will designate as being
in charge when both companies
respond.
incidentally, another possibility
that exists because of this condition
is that in some cases the people
in sympathy with the volunteer de-
partment will call them direct in
case of fire. with the result that
the paid department will have no
immediate knowledge of the fire.
1t is important that this condition
be remedied."
Counsel to Study Situation.
The volunteers are not officially
recognized, it was pointed out at
the board meeting, because they
have not yet complied with a pro-
vision of the law petitioning for
recognition and inspection of equip
ment.
The matter was referred to Joseph
A. Cantrel. counsel to the commits
sioners, for study and report.
Alex K. Hancock, county ac-
countant, submitted a report show
ing the county obtained S29.72223
in revenue from its liquor dispen-
saries in the final six months of
1910 Total sales during this period
amounted to 1894. .10718. Expenses
at the Bethesda, Silver Spring and
Rockville stores amounted to SILL
38094 for the six months.
A delegation from the Bethesda
Elementary School Parent-Teacher
Association and another group from
the Sandy Spring area urged the
commissioners to approve a two
year school construction program
which would entail total expendi-
ture of about sl,205,000.
School Program Supported.
James H. Bowen. chairman Of a
special committee of the PIT. A,
declared that despite the size of
the item in the next two budgets,
his group believes the entire pro-
gram should be carried out even
to the point of paying more taxes,
If necessary"
DR.. Steven O. Beebe of Sandy
Spring, spokesman for the delega-
ton from that area requested the
commissioners to urge the county
delegation in the General Assembly
to pass an enabling act to finance
the school program.
Also referred to the Assembly was
a resolution from the Cabin John
Park Citizens Association opposing
the proposed personal property eX-
emption reduction from $500 to
$100
Mrs. Hattie NJ Griffin, welfare
case worker, reported the commits
sioners had authorized public as
sistance expenditures amounting to
s28.O16 during the last six months
of 1910
The board adopted resolution
authorizing Mr.. Cantrel to act as
counsel to the Board of Public We'll
fare in addition to his present duties.