On November 3, 1998, the Stayton Fire District will participate in the general election to determine if the Fire District will be allowed to levy taxes for capital improvements. The need for this election was determined by the Board of Directors and a Citizen Committee that was formed to help the District in identifying our equipment and facilities needs.

The Stayton Fire District protects 107 square miles in both Marion and Linn Counties, in and around Stayton. The estimated population in the District is 13,000. The District provides services out of 5 fire stations with 70 volunteers, 5 full-time employees, and 3 part-time employees. Services provided by District personnel include emergency medical response, structure, wildland and vehicle fires, hazmat spills, motor vehicle accidents, water rescues and industrial accidents.

Calls for service have grown from 179 in 1982 to over 900 in 1998, increasing the Districts reliance on citizen volunteer firefighters. Jobs performed by volunteers are increasingly complex and difficult, as well as expensive.

With the increased demand for services and the limitations on resources set by Measure 50, the elected Board of Directors continues to struggle with the question of how to fund capital projects. The proposed levy for the November 1998 election has been reduced from the amount previously requested.

The Directors of the Stayton Fire District are proposing a a five-year capital improvements levy with a maximum tax rate set at $.40 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation for each of the five years. At this rate, the levy will raise approximately $187,000 in 1999, the first year of the levy. The amount in subsequent years will be slightly more as new growth is factored in each year.

The capital improvement projects to be addressed include:

completion of a fire and rescue training facility

completion of the internal computer network system

replacement of supply hose on three fire engines

purchase of small equipment to complete outfitting existing apparatus

modification of a fire station to be compatible with ADA requirements

replacement of all radio equipment by 2004 as mandated by the FCC

replacement of five fire vehicles, some of which are over 30 years old

Several issues must be taken into account regarding apparatus replacement:

All apparatus should be multi-functional in design.

Service demands will continue to increase with growth.

Firefighters are not allowed to ride in exposed positions.

Apparatus should be capable of being operated by Firefighters who do not regularly drive heavy vehicles.

As trucks are purchased over the five year period, existing equipment will be relocated within the District to ensure that the most reliable units are responding.

The owner of a $100,000 home will be asked to invest $40 per year in the District to improve fire protection and make the capital improvements necessary to suport its commitment to the community.

Submitted by:

Ray W. Porter, Board President

Stayton Fire District

No arguments in favor of or opposed to this measure were filed.