The District’s tax revenue increased 332% from 1991-92 to 2003-04 ($96,119 vs. $415,696). During the same period, tax revenue for all rural fire districts in Marion County increased 107% ($6,880,996 vs. $14,219,529).

Sublimity Fire District is already well funded and equipped.

In March 1995, voters approved an $80,000 per year serial levy to hire a fire chief and purchase equipment. The levy was made permanent in 1997 by Measure 50.

In November 1998, voters approved the sale of up to $995,000 in bonds to finance or refinance costs of fire vehicles, fire stations and other capital construction and improvements. These bonds mature over 20 years.

The District’s Explanatory Statement of Measure 24-119 indicates that Sublimity’s population grew 43% from 1990 to 2003 and that the number of available community volunteers has declined from 22 to 15.

While the growth in population does increase the demand for services on the District, it also provides a larger pool of potential volunteers. Why then, has the number of volunteers declined?

More dollars are not the answer to the District’s manpower shortage. Strengthening management and accountability is the key to recruiting and retaining the volunteers necessary for effective service to the community.

Please join me in voting NO on Measure 24-119.

Lance Marshall

Sublimity

(This information provided by Lance Marshall)