Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Voters overwhelmingly approve levy increase for Chelan County Fire District 3

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Voters in Chelan County Fire District 3 have approved a levy increase. The Aug. 1 election results showed 78 percent voting in favor of the measure. Chelan County Fire District 3 Chief Kelly O’Brien was very thankful. 

“We’re very appreciative of the voting public that came out and supported us with overwhelming support,” O’Brien said. “There’s been a lot of hard work here over the past 20, 30, 40 years and I hope the public recognizes the hard work the men and women of Fire District 3 are doing. The vote shows that support.”

The bond for the current fire station is almost paid off. Currently, CCFD3 is collecting 39 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation on a bond that was passed in 1997 to build the fire station. 

Taxpayers are now paying 45 cents for per $1,000 to the fire district for the bond and general levy rate. With the approval of the levy rate increase, the first district will now receive $1 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. 

The current CCFD3 budget is $409,602, which has been the same level for the past 20 years, during which time their workload has increased dramatically. CCFD3 protects $1 billion worth of assessed value within the fire district. 

“It’s going to be a dramatic change for us. We’re really excited about the future,” O’Brien said. 

The levy lift is going to allow the district to hire more firefighters and pay off their indebtedness, which is about $250,000 due to replacing equipment. 

“We’re going to hire two career full time and two six-month seasonal positions. If we accomplish anything next year, we want debt reduction completed and the hiring process completed,” O’Brien said. 

Currently, there are only three full time employees, O’Brien, Assistant Chief Glenn Brautaset and Chief Bill Horner. There are also plans to add to the resident program. At present, the district can only afford to pay $150 per month, while other districts are offering $700 to $1,000. 

The levy increase should allow the district to make it more attractive to resident firefighters. O’Brien would like to keep the resident program full. They are planning to wrap their resident program around the Wenatchee Valley College fire science program. 

The district also plans to further develop their drill field, so firefighters can practice emergency situations. They also want to implement a district wide Firewise program. 

Certainly a key aspect of the increased funds is the ability of the fire district keep their rating high so property insurance rates stay low. Mainly, this will allow them to replace needed equipment on a more timely basis. 

“The processes will be put in place, but the first thing that needs to happen is to pay off our debt. That will allow us to start building a capital reserve so we can pay for equipment when it is time to replace something,” 

Ian Dunn can be reached at 548-5286 or editor@leavenworthecho.com. 

 

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