Benton Fire District 2 seeks money to renew bond

Benton Fire District 2 wants a $1,525,000 bond to keep homeowner insurance rates low and make aging equipment safer for fire crews.

Proposition 16-7 on the primary ballot would renew for another 15 years a bond that expires in 2016. It would cost taxpayers $2.42 a month per $100,000 assessed property value and would not increase the current tax levy.

Money from the bond would repair two fire trucks and replace a 37-year-old water tender truck, the district’s main source of water when there are no nearby hydrants.

Crews were unable to use the tender truck to fight a recent 4,000-acre fire that scorched hills just a mile from Benton City, said Capt. Dennis Bates of Benton Fire District 2.

“We could’ve definitely used it,” Bates said.

In a letter to local residents, Benton Fire District 2 Chief Ron Duncan refers to the station’s main engines as “workhorses” for house fires, car wrecks and rescues, and other emergencies.

The state inspects the department’s equipment and takes note of age, Bates said. If ratings go down because of aging equipment, it could cost homeowners more in insurance.

“We’re required to have two engines to maintain our rating,” Bates said.

An extended bond would help the department make equipment safer for firefighters out on call, Bates said. No other vehicle is efficient enough to help crews perform their duties.

“We try to stay as ready as possible 24/7,” Bates said.

More information on the bond can be found at bcfpd2.org or by calling Benton Fire District 2 at 509-588-3212.

This story was originally published July 23, 2016 at 8:13 PM with the headline "Benton Fire District 2 seeks money to renew bond."