BALLOT TITLE:
Caption: Continuation of Five-Year Local Option Levy for general operating purposes
Question: Shall the District continue a $0.3500 per $1,000.00 of assessed value for five years for operating purposes beginning 2025-2026? This measure renews current local option taxes.
Summary: The taxes proposed will be used for general operating purposes for the Sauvie Island R.F.P.D. #30J. Anticipated uses of funds include state required medical testing for all firefighters, required Federal and OSHA testing of equipment and of firefighters use of equipment, physical testing of firefighters and their abilities, annual servicing and safety inspections of vehicles and equipment, including funds for replacement, and continuing volunteer training and certification.
The rate is estimated to raise the following amounts: $74,750.00. in 2025/2026, $76,395.00 in 2026/2027, $78,075.00 in 2027/2028, $79,793.00 in 2028/2029 and $81,548.00 in 2029/2030. The estimated tax cost for this measure is an ESTIMATE ONLY based on the best information available from the county assessor at the time of estimate and may reflect the impact of early payment discounts, compression and the collection rate.
Explanatory Statement:
The continuing mission of the Sauvie Island Volunteer Rural Fire Protection District 30J is to provide medical assistance, and fire protection service to the residents of Sauvie Island and to provide mutual aid assistance, per our contracts, with Scappoose Fire Department and the Portland Fire Bureau. This mission requires passage of a five-year Local Option Levy for general operating purposes.
Many factors contribute to the departments continued increase in cost of operations. Basic resources such as electricity, fuel, and natural gas prices have increased dramatically. OSHA has instituted institutional testing and physical wellness monitoring for all fire fighters, and the cost of these mandatory services rise each year. Maintenance of our hard goods, equipment and basic fire protection gear continue to be high cost items (with one set of turnouts for one firefighter costing from $4000-$5000). Additionally, equipment needs to be replaced as it becomes dramatically outdated, falls below Federal Standard or becomes unsafe.
The above reflect only a small selection of the costs and reasons for the Local Option Levy. Detailed explanations of any of the above costs and a review of the District’s Budgets is available to residents of the district by mail, email or at public meetings and Department board meetings.
Without the passing of this levy the district faces the elimination of part of its services, or the ceasing of operations altogether.
Submitted by:
Chris Lake, Fire Chief
Sauvie Island Fire District 30J