Saratoga ISO rating drops

The Saratoga residents may monetarily benefit from the Saratoga Volunteer Fire Department’s good work.

The Insurance Service Organization (ISO) rating for the town of Saratoga has dropped from 6 to a 4. With the highest rating being a 1 and the lowest a 10, this is a significant jump in the town’s rating. Saratoga Mayor John Zeiger explained at the Oct. 7 town council meeting the ISO drop arrived from the local volunteer fire department meeting specific standards. An ISO evaluation for fire protection involves looking at communications, hose testing, pump testing, water system capability, training, and personnel attendance.

Most larger towns have an ISO rating anywhere between 7 to 1.

“(The fire department) has met a lot of requirements, their equipment has met a lot of requirements, our hydrants have met a lot of requirements,” Zeiger said.

He added Saratoga residents should benefit from this as well, as insurance rates are expected to plummet with the improved rating.

Town engineer Chuck Bartlett encourages all residents to contact their insurance agency to let them know of the higher ISO rating.

“That’s the only way your insurance agency is going to know,” Bartlett said.

“I am not sure how much of a reduction it’s going to be, but a buck is a buck,” Zeiger said.

The mayor also complimented the town of Saratoga crews for ensuring the hydrants in town were up to code.