Fire Commissioners vote 2-1 against Levy Lid Lift

CHELAN – About a week ago Chelan Fire Commissioner Russ Jones called a special meeting to allow the public to express their feelings in regards to running a second fire levy lid lift in the fall.

Responding to his call, more than 50 community members showed up to the August 6 special meeting held at Station 71. This time those for and against the levy made an appearance.

On the hot and smoky night, Jones proceeded to explain why everyone was gathered there that evening.

“We are here to listen to what the community has to say … this is about what level of staffing the community of Chelan wants for our fire district,” said Jones.

He reminded the attendees that in 2016 there was a total of six career firefighters, in 2017 and 2018 six additional firefighters joined the team due to the SAFER Grant. However, at the end of 2018 the grant will expire which means that levels of staffing will be reduced to only two full time firefighters.

Ideally a total of four freighters is what  Chelan Fire and Rescue would want to have available for emergencies. With reduced staffing more shifts will then be covered by volunteers. “If we go back to two guys on duty 24/7, there is going to be times where there will be only one guy here and they are going to be waiting for volunteer response before action can take place,” added Jones.

In question then was “should we go back to six firefighters, or does the community want additional funding, we can keep three of those positions … what level you as a community want to have?”

Before public comment started, Jones reminded them to be respectful of other people’s opinions and  that no personal attacks will be tolerated.

A five minute time limit was given to those who wanted to share their opinions with the commissioners, that way everyone could have a word.

Out of the 17 community members who stated their opinion on the fire levy, 11 of them were for the levy to be put back on the ballot, the other six were against this action.

These are some of  the quotes from those for the levy:

“Out of all of that money we are spending extra, I think $25 a month to get this levy passed would have been for the fire department to keep those six additional staff members, I think that the money is well worth it and I would gladly pay it any day.”

“I want to express my disappointed in not attempting to put back again the fire levy on the ballot … last week it seemed that we were on a fire every other day and they were intense fires … it just seems that the community doesn’t support our efforts.”

 “We need firefighters … this isn’t 60 years ago, it is not 12 years ago this is now … I do not how much most of you pay for your cable each month but this is nothing compared to that … this is about men and women who put their live on the line who work for us … we should work hard to get that levy on the ballot.”

“Most people that know or those who drive passed my house realize that  I voted “yes” on the levy and I will vote “yes” again … this is an issue of safety and protection for our community.”

“The reality is that without career firefighters there’s no guarantee who is going to show up or if anyone will … please run the lid lift again, thank you.”

“I am totally in favor of the levy and/or an improved fire department however we can get it found it and there are additional ways to fund it with tourism ideas we have to do that … the volunteer has a place and they need the support from career firefighters.”

“I am a strong proponent to putting the measure back on the ballot again for several reasons, I do not believe the people spoken as we’ve been told … I am not comfortable with less than 25 percent of the community being considered the voice for the rest of us.”

“Nobody wants their property taxes to go up, but  the reality is I got numbers here, so if your house is assessed at $200,000 this is going to cost you about $7 a month, that’s 23 cent a day. If your house is assessed at $400,000 that’s going to be about $13 buck a month and then if your house is at $600,000 it’s $20 bucks a month”

“I respect all firefighters … I just think I a little more thought needs to go in all of this. I am hearing a lot about the firefighters but I am not hearing anything about equipment … it has been three months since the last levy lid lift, let’s think about this a little more.”

“I support the levy first and foremost … we as a community love our volunteers, we love our paid staff … I support the community, I support the volunteers and I support paid staff but more importantly I support America.”

“2015 was a major eye opener … we need to support the firefighters, volunteer and career, everything we need to support them.”

These are some of the quotes from those against the levy:

“I am not in favor of rerunning a levy again, I think that the voters have voted and we heard from the community … you’ve had your turn I would say that you should go back to your budget and see what you could do with what you have.”

“I will continue to vote “no” on any lid lift … the things that need to change to me are the mission , the vision, the values, the goals and the objectives … the volunteer firefighters need to  be at the heart of delivering fire services to the community … I have faith in the volunteer system … I would ask for you to put this issue to rest for at least two years.”

“I believe and I have seen that people have said “no” repeatedly to an increase of a levy lid lift … I do my research and our spending is out of control … it’s time to stop that.”

“We did not have a comprehensive plan for the future when we voted to put the lid lift on the ballot and that was the reason I said we would have to come back for more money in the future, the vote 60.2 percent no to 39.8 percent yes … I as a citizen cannot support any levy lid lift that doesn’t represent a balanced, affordable plan that meets the needs of the district.”

“You do need a game plan … but at the same time you are a crisis point in this community and if you do not take care of the immediate crisis lives are going to be lost and lives will be in danger and that is the bottom line.”

“Think outside the box and try to find a funding source like the hotel/motel or the bedroom tax … there are thousands and thousands of people that come in here and recreate in here and charging them a little to pay for the services that we provide here … I would really encourage you to go that route and find all kinds of sources before you raise a lid lift again.”

Once public commentary come to an end, the three fire commissioners had a chance to conversate about the levy.

Commissioner Phil Moller believes that they could still retain some of the firefighters with the current budget the district has available. “That’s the budget we should work within, I certainly appreciate everyone’s input … my position I guess hasn’t changed, I would like to see retention from some of the volunteers, some of the paid crew … My vote to putting back this levy back on the ballot will be no,” said Moller .

Commissioner Jay Witherbee also exchanged some words with the rest of the board. “I believe that we are going to need a place in the ballot for a levy more than likely in 2019 … I believe that the voters have given their input and we are going to honor their vote.”

Witherbee also stated that the Fire Department will work with other organizations such as the School District and the Hospital to make sure there are no conflicts when it comes down to placing new items on the ballot in the future.

With this, Witherbee also said no to placing the levy back on the ballot this upcoming fall.

Meanwhile, Jones presented a proposal that he was in favor of to the board.

“I make a motion to adopt a resolution for a levy lid lift for $1.18 per 1,000, that is an increase of 26 cents allocated to the remaining three positions, additional apparatus funding and additional funding for volunteers for seasonal stipend shifts. “

Witherbee nor Moller seconded the motion, therefore it failed and the meeting was adjourned.