For those of us old enough to remember the early 1970s, close your eyes and imagine the time. Specifically, jump back to 1972.

President Richard Nixon has just been elected to his second term of office. Nixon is working to figure a way out of the Vietnam War quagmire.

Personal computers were more than a decade away from becoming a

widespread

reality. The phrase "Internet" had yet to be

created, let alone uttered.

Could anyone in 1972 imagine life in 2002? Probably not. Attempts would probably be about as accurate as George Orwell's book "1984."

Is it really

possible to look 30 years into the future and expect to be even close to accurately

predicting what will happen?

We think not.

However, that is exactly what the City of Ironton is attempting to do with a 30-year budget plan for the city's fire department.

The state has required the city to create such a long-term plan. But that plan has caused some discussion among council members. The discussion may further delay the process of constructing a new fire station. Some members of the council believe the budget projections are too high. Other council members believe the projections are just that, projections.

At issue is a projection that would increase the fire fee assessed to residents by 75 cents in 2010, 85 cents in 2020 and $1.05 in 2030. Businesses would see an increase in water fees, too.

Perhaps we are seeing this from a myopic view, but shouldn't we worry about the possibility of adding a dollar or two in what is essentially additional taxes later?

We feel the city should not delay any longer in moving ahead with plans for a new fire station. The people of Ironton and the firefighters who protect life and property deserve quick action.

Let's save the crystal ball work to the fortune tellers and get down to the business of running the city.