What newly-counted ballots mean for a critical rural Franklin fire levy
A levy that is the sole source of revenue for a small fire district in north Franklin County will likely pass.
The measure was ahead by 25 votes after county elections officials this week counted another batch of ballots.
The margin widened from a nine-vote lead after the Nov. 4 election.
Franklin County Fire District 1’s fire and emergency services levy currently has 155 votes, or 54%, in favor and 130 votes, or 46% against.
The district has stations in Connell, Mesa, Eltopia, Scooteney Road, the Star area and Hartland.
Critical levy lid lift
The agency asked voters to more than double its levy rate, from 39 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value in 2024 to 85 cents per $1,000.
The increase added an extra $135 annually on a home valued at $300,000.
The fire agency serves more than 2,500 rural residents across a sprawling 411 square miles. The amount the levy was bringing in each year had been dropping in recent years as the costs for services and labor have gone up, said officials.
The district is limited to a 1% annual budget increase without voter approval. This is the second time the agency has gone to the voters to ask for a “levy lid lift” since it formed in 1945.
“As we look long-term, we’ll be able to cover our costs,” Franklin County Fire District 1 Fire Chief Eric Mauseth told the Tri-City Herald Thursday.
“Being in the fire service is expensive and keeps getting more expensive.” He described the district as a lean operation.
Since 2005, calls for fire and medical service have gone up 300%. Over the last six years, truck maintenance and insurance costs have both doubled. Fuel, equipment, radios and training materials have also risen, said fire officials.
Upgrades to 911 communication systems are critical, they said, with failures becoming more frequent, potentially putting residents and first responders at risk.
The additional revenue will help the agency maintain its fire trucks and other vehicles, expand services, lower insurance rates and provide firefighters with crucial training.
A similar measure failed last November by nearly 100 votes.
This story was originally published November 19, 2025 at 3:39 PM.
