Support Franklin County Fire District No. 1’s levy increase | Editorial

For nearly two decades, the rate that property owners in north-central Franklin County pay for fire and emergency medical services has declined. Meanwhile, costs have increased. That is untenable. We urge voters in Fire District No. 1 to invest in public safety by voting yes on Proposition 1.

Voters rejected a levy lid lift in 2024, and the district’s leaders heard them loud and clear. This time they are asking for less. Prop. 1 would increase the rate to 85 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. That falls right at the average for fire districts statewide and is about what the rate was in 2007. The owner of a home worth $300,000 would pay an additional $135 per year if Prop. 1 passes.

Tax-averse voters should note that this money stays local. It does not go into county or state coffers. A locally elected board of commissioners decides how it is spent. The large, rural district has stations in Connell, Mesa, Eltopia, Scooteney Road, Star area and Hartland.

Nearly 20 years without a levy lid lift reflects remarkable fiscal restraint. District leaders would not seek an increase were it not necessary. The district’s reserve funds are dwindling. Reserves have sustained operations and equipment maintenance. If the money runs out, fire and emergency medical services will suffer.

When fire districts cannot maintain adequate response times due to equipment failures or staffing shortages, insurance companies take notice. Homeowners in those areas often face higher premiums because the risk is greater, potentially costing property owners much of any savings they might gain by not approving the levy. Residents have a choice, then. Give their money to insurers or invest it in local firefighters. They can pad insurance profits or support public safety.

Fire District No. 1 cannot continue to deliver the level of service that residents deserve without more money. Vote yes on Prop. 1 on the Nov. 4 ballot.