Fire District 38 levy increase ballot measure fails

Published 12:31 pm Thursday, October 2, 2008

NORTH BEND – Voters have overwhelmingly rejected a proposed levy increase for Fire District 38, prompting the district’s commissioners to plot a quick return to the polling places in November in search of a smaller rate hike in an effort to maintain current services.

The district’s three commissioners found their proposed measure defeated by a 65-percent majority in the Sept. 16 primary election. Commissioners were hoping voters would approve an increase of more than 60 cents above the current rate in an effort to not only maintain current services, but also to increase staffing levels, replace aging equipment and provide the needed finances to help fund a new fire station.

The proposed increase from 83 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation to $1.50 that would have helped offset a $170,000 shortfall for basic services next year, was too much for the majority of voters.

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