SIBLEY — Two south Webster fire grading districts have received better fire insurance classifications, which means residents and businesses can enjoy lower insurance premiums.
The Property Insurance Association of Louisiana issued the lower fire insurance classifications for Webster Fire District 2, which dropped from class 6 to 5, and the Sibley Fire Department, which dropped from class 4 to 3 effective Oct. 12.
“All businesses and homes in the district will now see a savings,” Brent Hunt, Fire District No. 2 board chairman said. “However, residents do need to contact their insurance companies to insure they receive their rate change.”
Depending on the insurance company, homeowners and businesses can see anywhere from a two to 10 percent decrease in rates.
“This is a direct correlation with the election last year,” Hunt said.
In November, voters of Webster Fire District 2 overwhelmingly passed a 10-mill ad valorem (property) tax dedicated to fire protection in the areas outside the town limits of Sibley.
Sibley Fire Chief Tommy Kelly said the lower ratings are a result of dedicated teamwork of the fire departments.
“This shows the great strides and efforts made by the firemen in the districts to help achieve the lower rating,” he said.
Had the property tax failed in 2014, the fire rating could have been raised to a class 10, drastically raising insurance premiums Hunt said at the time of the election.