Fire levy on the ballot

Voters in the eastern portion of the McKenzie Valley are being asked to support emergency services when they mark their ballots for the November 8th election. If the Upper McKenzie Rural Fire Protection District’s request for renewal of its local option tax levy is approved, the current rate of 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed value would continue. That amount translates to about $90 per year for a home assessed at $150,000.

In a fact sheet provided by the district, officials note they provide coverage for the communities of Blue River, Rainbow, and McKenzie Bridge. Over the last year, first responders have gone to the scene of about 230 calls, which is a 24% increase over the prior year.

Money from the levy would augment the district’s operating budget, which includes expenditures for training, protective gear and emergency medical equipment, maintenance, fuel, and wages that include limited reimbursements for volunteers, as well as public outreach and fire prevention activities.