NBCFD Update - June 17th

Post date: Jun 17, 2019 11:59:41 PM

After all attempts to negotiate fire suppression/protection coverage for our Fire District were unsuccessful, it became apparent that a voluntary fire department had to be created. The fire district commissioners have passed a motion to create the fire department.

Since the District has never had employees, does not own any vehicles or equipment and has no fire station, a resolution has been passed to request a Special Emergency Property Tax Budget Override election. The provisions of the request are to increase the property tax levy revenues to a maximum of $500,000 per year above the current level for 2 years. This increase equates to around $184 per year per $100.000 property value above the current levy rate. This resolution has been sent to the County election officials who will determine when the election is held, probably the 2nd or 3rd week in August.

The commissioners cannot wait for the levy results to form the department. They are in the process of finalizing a location for a temporary fire station. They are in negotiations for the purchase or lease of a fire truck, a water tender, a brush truck and other equipment. They are close to finalizing the hiring of a training officer. Advertisements will be sent out this week for a fire chief.

About 40 people in the district have offered to be volunteer firefighters. Applications will be sent to all of these people this week. They must begin training very soon in order for the department to be operational by October 1, 2019.

A number of people have come forward with offers to assist with the department’s formation. If you have particular skills or training that you feel would help with the formation of the fire department, please contact us. The District currently has a particular need for individuals who can assist with creating response maps, human resources, and bookkeeping/ secretarial activities.

There is as Public Outreach Committee headed by Kevin Quick and Wendy Briscoe to inform/educate the public. If you have time to assist with this effort, please contact us. It is crucial that we have adequate support to pass the levy.

Anyone who wants to get involved should contact us through our website northbannockfire.us or email us at northbannockfire@gmail.com.

There will be a budget hearing on June 21, 2019 at 7 PM at 13041 N. Yellowstone Hwy & Tyhee Rd (old church building). This will be followed by regular meeting.