Explanatory Statement:The Gates Rural Fire Protection District is asking the voters of the district to endorse the re-instatement of the dollars necessary to continue a high level of quality emergency response service in the district. Over the past two years the district has had to operate at a subsistence level and has made drastic cuts in its programs of equipment maintenance and equipment replacement. The district has not been able to purchase needed supplies and has not maintained the district plan for equipment replacement. In the last year, the district had to replace a failed 35-year-old roof and that action used up any capital resources the district had previously accumulated. The district voters approved a tax levy in May 1996 but it was never implemented and this caused lost revenues in excess of $16,000 per year. This severe financial setback was created by the approval of Measure 47-50. Several years ago the district developed a plan that would allow for the timely and responsible replacement of outdated Air Breathing Units for firefighters, turnout gear for firefighters and for the replacement and acquisition of other critical pieces of equipment needed for emergency services. Also part of this plan was the commitment to an aggressive and professional program of equipment and apparatus maintenance. Providing this one-year local option tax will allow the district to return to its program of responsible equipment maintenance and to purchase needed supplies. The district will be able to insure a high level of quality service in fire protection, emergency medical and rescue operations. In addition, by maintaining a high quality department, the district will continue to receive a better insurance rate, reducing insurance costs to district businesses and households. Submitted by: Gerald F. Korson, Board Chariperson Gates Rural Fire Protection District
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