Fire district won't play; Boone board helps a church

Musings come today from our Boone County beat:

Does it seem odd and off-kilter for a church to seek a big, government-sanctioned assist for an expansion? I'm not suggesting it's illegal or unconstitutional, because apparently it isn't.

I'm referring to the decision this week by Boone County Fiscal Court to approve $2.8 million in industrial revenue bonds for fast-growing Vineyard Christian Church, which will use the money for a classroom building that also will be open to community groups. Officials say the taxpayers can't be on the hook, but the court's support will allow the church to get a lower interest rate. It was the first time the county had issued bonds on behalf of a church, although our story noted it has been done in Lexington. Usage of the facility for community activities makes the legal difference.

There's something about a church being beholden to a governmental body for its growth plans that is bugging me. Just because the church could do it doesn't mean the leaders should have. They could have kept more of a distance and paid the same interest rates most people or businesses pay. What do others think?

Meanwhile, give a "thumbs down" to the Burlington Fire Protection District for backing out of a study to examine the advantage and disadvantages of greater cooperation and possible merger with the Hebron and Point Pleasant districts.

There's evidence around the country that regionalizing fire service can lead to improved response, greater professionalism and efficient use of resources. Regardless of anyone's motives or concerns about the way the process started, Burlington officials are being narrow-minded by refusing to even study the idea.