Argument in Favor:

We the volunteers of Mt. Angel firefighters annexation committee support annexation. For many years the volunteers have both worked for the City of Mt. Angel and the Mt. Angel Rural fire district. The way this has worked is that both would support the needs of the department through an agreement that is based on matching funds. This works well when each side has funds and commitment to support MAFD. Over the past few years this has not been the case. The funds that support the city have had to be used for more pressing issues. With the declining budget, MAFD had to make a choice between cutting safety equipment and training or our chief. Currently our chief is part time and has delegated as many of his duties as possible. In years gone past the MAFD volunteers would step up, embrace the challenge, and get the job done. Times have changed for small volunteer fire departments with increased regulations from the state and feds. Each volunteer firefighter is required by law to become a certified firefighter and to have extension training each year to remain eligible to fight fires. This required training, its’ cost, and paper work associated with it have become a tremendous burden which needs professional staff and training to ensure our compliance.

The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Marion County nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in this argument. Marion County does not correct errors in spelling or grammar.

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