ECF&R voters asked to back levy lift rate hike

CAMAS — East County Fire & Rescue district voters will vote on a levy rate increase in November after the district board of commissioners unanimously voted to ask for the tax increase to pay for district needs related to rising call volumes.

If approved by voters, the lid lift would bring the fire district property tax levy to $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value, amounting to another 21 cents per $1,000 in property taxes, according to the district.

That’d be about $7.87 per month for the owner of a $450,000 home.

State law allows the agency a 1 percent increase in revenue per year, but that amount has not kept up with inflation or rising costs, the district says.

If passed, the levy would return to the amount district voters approved in 2008. Over time, the levy rates fell as property values increased, butting up against the 1 percent total increase as allowed by law, limiting new revenue as the area, and costs, grew, the district said.

Call volumes for the agency have increased 52 percent since 2007, according to district staff. Likewise, utility, staff health insurance, training and operations costs have grown.

Money from the lift would go to maintaining daily operations and staffing levels, equipment and vehicle repairs, and better training.

The district will host an open house 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 29 at the district headquarters, 600 N.E. 267th Ave. in Camas, to answer voter questions.

More information about the levy is also available at the district’s website, www.ecfr.us.