If it were really a market-based decision... - Edit 1
Before modification by Wulf`gar at 06/10/2010 08:01:24 PM
So far as I'm aware anyone else was free to set up their own fire brigade there and the fire brigade that was involved in this was operating outside the area the government directly responsible for it had either legislative powers or responsibilities - the government responsible for that area had opted out of involvement in fire fighting and the government of South Fulton filled that void in a non-governmental role.
They would never have refused the man's attempt at paying them. The government (mayor) enforces the tax-based system and the firefighters probably stood to lose their job if they acted outside the bounds of the governmental rules.
But, perhaps you were just disagreeing with the concept of a free-market approach to the problem. As to that, I would just say people differ on their idea of the best solution.