Options that would allow property owners of the Bear Creek community to maintain a reasonable fire insurance rating were cut in half on Thursday.
Specifically, Wayne Goodwin, commissioner of the N.C. Department of Insurance and state fire marshal, told officials with Bear Creek Volunteer Fire Department that the only option for maintaining the community’s current fire insurance rating is to merge with Swansboro Fire Department.
Bear Creek officials – who had hoped for a second option, one that would allow the department to continue to exist essentially in its current form – announced Thursday night they would pursue the merger. Joe West, president of the board of directors, made the announcement at a board meeting attended by about 100.
Standing at the rear of the department bay, West opened his comments by saying the preferred plan had been submitted and reviewed.
“We got word … it has been denied,” he said. “It wasn’t a feasible option and didn’t satisfy their needs.” But, he added, the backup plan was to seek a merger. “The ball is already in motion to put the merger in place. All they (Swansboro officials) have to do is … either approve it or deny it.” However, West explained that based on comments from Goodwin and officials in Swansboro, the merger will be approved.
Swansboro Mayor Scott Chadwick said Goodwin had contacted him on Thursday, by phone and email. He expressed his support for the merger.