Continued from page 1 2 unionized, creating a cost differential with the suburban districts, who in turn maintain their areas are neglected by Metro. Currently there is a dispute about what departments have the right under the law to charge above 10 cents. Anchorage Fire has long had a “certificate of need” from the state for its EMS, so other east end districts have been keen to join with them, seeing that as a safe legal move. City fire departments are run as normal divisions of those governments, but a fire district has an independent board of trustees; 3 appointed by the metro mayor, 2 elected by the firefighters of the district and 2 elected by the resident property owners of the district. These elections are run by the districts themselves for a few hours in June at the firehouses and hardly anyone participates. A lot of interest came about last year in having the fire district trustees elected on the regular election ballots. That proposal eventually died, however, over disagreements on the details of such an election. In the next few years after additional fire mergers, with perhaps just two or three very large fire districts for the suburb, there may be renewed interest for regular election of fire board trustees. The Urge to Merge in Fire Districts By: Frank Friday, Government Affairs Commonwealth Offers Disabled License Plates By: Jordan Kelch, Public Relations The state of Kentucky has gone to great lengths to reduce handicap placard abuse. Last year, the passing of House Bill 81 restricted issuance of placards with the hope of improving parking access for those who truly need it. The bill, sponsored by Representative Jerry Miller, charges a fee for additional placards while linking them to individuals rather than vehicles. The Commonwealth of Kentucky still offers disabled license plates to eligible citizens in all 120 counties. To apply, you must submit a TC96-204 application to the county clerk. These forms can be found at your local coun- ty clerk office, or online. Impairment must be certified by a licensed phy- sician, stating that the requirements for eligibility are met. Once the plate is received, the original plate in use must be turned in (unless issued to a different vehicle). The initial cost is $21.00 with an annual renewal fee of $21.00. Renewal for all handicap plates must be finalized by July 31st of each year. Kentucky Revised Statute describes eligi- ble persons as anyone who ‘has lost the use of one or both legs, one or both arms, who is blind, or whose ability to walk is impaired’. However, plates are also available to agencies which transport disabled people as part of their orga- nization. For more information, visit our website at www.jeffersoncountyclerk.org, or view the Kentucky Transportation Cabinets website at www.transportation.ky.gov.