New fire department rating could mean lower insurance costs

COLUMBUS — A new ranking for the Columbus Fire Department could mean reduced insurance rates for home and business owners in the city.

The Mississippi Rating Bureau has rated Columbus a four, which is up from its rating a five where it has remained for the past 30 years.

Mayor Robert Smith tells The Commercial Dispatch Columbus joins other cities ranked four including Biloxi, Gulfport, Tupelo, Greenwood, Meridian and Hattiesburg.

Fire chief Ken Moore says the ratings are how insurance premiums are based. The items considered during the ranking process are water systems and water pressure, fire service to the community and fire safety control.

One element Moore said was instrumental in the ranting was the recent approval for a new fire truck.