W. Valley seeks extra fire money

By CHERY SABOL

Fire district request on Nov. 7 ballot

The Daily Inter Lake

West Valley voters will decide Nov. 7 if they want to increase taxes that support the rural fire department.

West Valley Volunteer Fire and Rescue District wants a seven-mill increase in property taxes to update equipment and eventually build a third fire hall on the north side of the district.

Fire Chief Rod Dresbach said the district hasn't had a property-tax increase in 35 years. Meanwhile, the department has been getting busier: West Valley firefighters responded to 249 calls last year, compared to 106 six years ago.

The proposed tax levy would raise $80,000 to $90,000 per year.

It would cost the owner of a house valued at $100,000 an extra $21.60 per year. Current yearly taxes are $28.

Dresbach said the extra money would offset cost increases in insurance, fuel and utilities for the department.

It also would establish a fund for replacing vehicles, beginning with a 1973 water tender.

Eventually, the district hopes to build a fire hall in the area of Spring Prairie or KM Ranch Road, Dresbach said. The department has buildings on Farm to Market Road and Whitefish Stage Road, but would like to have a lightly equipped hall on the north side of its 90-square-mile district for quicker response there.

"We really haven't done any estimating on what it's going to cost us," Dresbach said of the proposed new fire hall.

He said the department has been able to equip and operate itself without asking taxpayers for extra help.

A $180,000 federal grant recently helped pay for a new fire engine.

"We've never asked for a mill increase," Dresbach said. "I believe we're very fiscally responsible."

The 27-member department is run entirely by volunteers. None of the levy money will go for wages.

"This is just an investment of yours into your own community," Dresbach tells voters.

The department is mailing information on the levy request to residents.

It also plans two open houses: Oct. 10 at 2412 Farm to Market Road and Oct. 17 at 2399 Whitefish Stage Road. Both meetings are at 7 p.m.

People with questions also may leave messages at 756-9878.

Reporter Chery Sabol may be reached at 758-4441 or by e-mail at csabol@dailyinterlake.com