Sauvie Island Fire District Local Option Levy Renewal

LEVY ELECTION; Nov 2019

Mult Co RFPD #30J (Sauvie Island Fire District)

Multnomah and Columbia Counties, OR

CONTINUATION OF FIVE-YEAR LOCAL OPTION LEVY FOR GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES

QUESTION

Shall Sauvie Island Volunteer Rural Fire Protection District # 30J impose a continuing $0.3500 per $ 1,000.00 of assessed value for five years for operating purposes beginning 2020-2021? This measure renews current local option taxes.

SUMMARY

The taxes proposed will be used for general operating purposes for the Sauvie Island R.F.P.D. #30J. Anticipated uses of funds include state required medical testing for all firefighters, required Federal and OSHA testing of equipment and of firefighters use of equipment, physical testing of firefighters and their abilities, annual servicing and safety inspections of vehicles and equipment, including funds for replacement, and continuing volunteer training and certification. The rate is estimated to raise the following amounts: $49,819.00. in 2020/2021, $50,940.00 in 2021/2022, $52,086.00 in 2022/2023, $53,258.00 in 2023/2024 and $54,456.00 in 2024/2025.

Estimated revenue required pursuant to ORS 280.075(2). These words do not count towards the 175-word limit. ORS 280.075(3)

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

The continuing mission of the Sauvie Island Volunteer Rural Fire Protection District 30J is to provide medical assistance, and fire protection service to the residents of Sauvie Island and to provide mutual aid assistance, per our contracts, with Scappoose Fire Department and the Portland Fire Bureau. This mission requires passage of a five-year Local Option Levy for general operating purposes.

Many factors contribute to the departments continued increase in cost of operations. Basic resources such as electricity, fuel, and natural gas prices have increased dramatically. OSHA has instituted institutional testing and physical wellness monitoring for all fire fighters, and the cost of these mandatory services rise each year. Maintenance of our hard goods, equipment and basic fire protection gear continue to be high cost items (with one set of turnouts for one firefighter costing from $2000-$3000). Additionally, equipment needs to be replaced as it becomes dramatically outdated, falls below Federal Standard or becomes unsafe.

The above reflect only a small selection of the costs and reasons for the Local Option Levy. Detailed explanations of any of the above costs and a review of the District’s Budgets is available to residents of the district by mail, email or at public meetings and Department board meetings.

Without the passing of this levy the district faces the elimination of part of its services, or the ceasing of operations altogether.