Mold at Mowbray Fire Hall
Every year the department heads of Hamilton County government submit their budgets to the County Commission. Typically you're talking about computer software and hardware upgrades. Occasionally they will include a "wish list" of things the employees could use to make their daily lives easier and even maybe there is a new jail is kicked around. (You know, like the approximately 300 consecutive grand juries have recommended).
Every year the need for additional EMS stations in the north end of the county seems to be overlooked. It's kind of odd to be frank. These stations not only get funds from the county, but from insurance companies and individuals as well. A very hefty sum, Heck, they even sent a $900 bill when a relative of mine passed away, just for showing up. Didn't transport or anything. With that being said, I feel we really need a new EMS station. Preferably close to Firehall Number 3 in Daisy end of Soddy Daisy that's about to be rebuilt.
Now, let's get to the "good" stuff. Let's talk about the county overlooking a serious mold issue at Mowbray Firehall. Mowbray had been patiently waiting their turn while all of these other departments are getting, what to some may seem, way too fancy of complexes. Some of these fire halls built recently are way overbuilt. What should cost $1.5 million tops, is getting funded at $4 million. At those prices, no wonder it takes forever I guess?
Here are pictures of mold that these volunteer firefighters at Mowbray Fire Hall are exposed to. In addition to this building being a fire hall, it is also a polling location for the local voters. No worries though, county officials say it's good mold. Doesn't pose a threat.
Here are the facts, Not all mold is toxic or “bad,” but indoor mold growth is never good. All mold can cause health effects to sensitive individuals if left as it naturally grows in a building. Unless the fire hall is taking up aging cheeses or wine or creating penicillin, that stuff has got to be addressed. The building is in such disrepair at this point, fixing it isn't even an option. You'll see the busted insulation from where the leaking roof, foundation, and walls have submitted to water. The mold is left behind.
For those of you that aren't familiar with where the Mowbray Fire Hall is located or what significance it may have, let me offer you a reminder. Remember those raging fires last November that the smoke carried all over the valley? The staging area for those firefighters and volunteers was at Mowbray Fire Hall on top of Mowbray Mountain in Soddy Daisy between Walden and Dunlap.
I feel that instead of taking out a bond for the county school maintenance, the county should take better care of our volunteer fire departments. HCDE should use the extra revenue for their deferred maintenance. They could fulfill all those needs in approximately 10 years.
James Berry
Damage at Mowbray Fire Hall