10/17/2024
It’s unfortunate that the district has to raise taxes, the department has always worked hard to be good stewards of your hard earned money and this was not an easy decision. Without an increase, services in the community will likely decline.
Here are some basic facts…
- Your Fire District currently operates a Fire and EMS agency on about $80,000 a year
- In 2023 they ran 246 calls for service, this year they have already run 228 and are on pace to run about 280 calls
- They are the only licensed Transport Ambulance Service in West Lewis County and currently responds to all EMS calls in Fire Districts 11 and 16…without additional funding, this service is at risk
- Currently one of the two fire engines the department operates is out of service and has been since March due to lack of funding to make significant repairs. That engine will be 30 years old in 2025 and beyond its expected life as a fire engine and needs replacement. Replacement costs are in excess of $500,000.
- The only Tender the district operates is near 35 years old and is a retire log truck that was refitted with a tank approximately 15 years ago. They truck is well beyond its expected life as a fire engine and is starting to experience a tank failure. Replacement costs are in excess of $500,000.
- This is one of the last all volunteer departments in the county and the only one that manages to maintain a transport licensed ambulance with only volunteer staffing. The next closest transport ambulance comes from Chehalis.
- Nearly all of the protective equipment your firefighters wear is expired or expiring soon. It costs approximately $5000 each to purchase protective equipment for each firefighter.
Your volunteers are committed to quality service and the board and leaders are committed to strong fiscal responsibility. Help ensure that they have the resources necessary to safely serve the community.
Please drop in tonight at the VFW from 6-7 to ask question and learn about your department.
