RURAL FIRE CHIEFS TO DISCUSS EMERGENCY SERVICE DISTRICTS
The chiefs of Washington County’s rural fire departments will meet next week to discuss the creation of an Emergency Service District.
The move would grant the rural departments the authority to levy a property tax which would raise money for fire protection.
The creation of such districts was approved with a constitutional amendment in 1987.
Washington County Firefighters Association president Michael Kmiec says the idea will be brought up at the meeting of the local chiefs, Wednesday.
A petition to create a district would have to be signed by at least 100 property owners, who are registered voters, then presented to the county. Commissioners would then hold a hearing, set boundaries, and order an election.
State law caps any ESD tax at 10-cents per $100 valuation. A district may also levy a 2-percent sales tax if approved by voters.
Districts can also bill for services provided.
When have insurance companies ever lowered rates?
About time!!!!!!!!!! I know this sounds terrible another TAX…. I’m as much against taxes as the next person… BUT at least this would go to a great cause… and from what I have heard the COUNTY doesn’t support the Volunteer Fire Dept.’s near enough… I can only imagine the cost of doing business as a Fire Dept. And from what I have researched on ESD’s This sounds like a sound move forward for the county fire dept.’s. And I’m guessing the new property owners that move to Washington county already think they pay for this service… most all area counties around Washington have established ESD’s this is the only feasible way to have great fire protection if you are not in a metropolitan area… It may also help with ISO ratings and helping property owners lower their property insurance rates!!! sounds like a win-win… the FD’s get a good working budget and we get great Fire Protection…Just my thoughts….