Fire district faces challenges with loss of fire levy
By Dan Thesman on Friday, August 23rd, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
BURBANK – With a majority of voters rejecting the fire levy placed on the Aug. 6 ballot, Walla Walla County Fire District No. 5 Chief Mike Wickstrom said the district will face some challenges.
Two full-time positions, one administrative and the other a firefighter/EMT, will not be filled. Remodels of Stations 51 and 54 will also be delayed until the district can find a suitable financing opportunity in the future.
Wickstrom adds there are several new homes slated for construction in Burbank, along with industrial growth in the Port of Walla Walla properties. The district will work with the port to mitigate impacts on the fire district since the fire district doesn’t collect taxes from port properties on new construction after 2025.
