Reasons for proposed Rural Fire District tax
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, March 15th, 2022 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER COUNTY – The ballot measure adding a five-year local option tax to residents in the Baker Rural Fire Protection District is needed to maintain the same level of service now being afforded by the district. The tax would be for a dollar per $1,000 of the property’s assessed value.
BRFPD President Collin Kaseberg stated in the filing that the district is growing quickly, spreading emergency services thin.
“The district will use the tax revenue from this measure to continue to operate the district at its present level of service,” he wrote. “Without this additional revenue, the district may not be able to comply with governing agency standards, which may result in increased insurance rates for district residents.”
It’s estimated that the local option tax will bring in an additional $182,000 in its first year, $187,500 in the second year, $193,000 in year three, $199,000 in the fourth year, and $204,500 in 2026-27.
