Fire department seeks levy extension
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
The St. Ignatius Volunteer Fire Department needs financial support to help make sure they have equipment to put out fires, respond to wrecks, and other emergencies.
The department is asking for an extension on the Equipment Levy for the rural department on the June 7 election ballot. The levy was originally passed 20 years ago to purchase a fire truck. Everyone outside of town in the St. Ignatius School District will have the opportunity to vote.
“This isn’t an increase; it’s just a continuation,” said Rural Fire Board member Stan Delaney.
Traditionally, the folks outside of town provide revenue from taxes, and the people in town volunteer to help the department.
This year, the levy sunsets, and firefighters are worried the loss of revenue will make it more difficult to purchase gear.
The levy is for approximately $14,589 per year for the next seven years. For individuals, the levy will amount to $15.29 per year for property with a market value of $100,000.
“We paid off the truck, so now, we want to establish an equipment replacement fund,” said Chairman Tim Callahan. “We need a savings account to draw on to replace equipment.”
The money will be used to purchase gear including radios, hats, jackets, pants, boots, and air tanks. It will also be used to repair or purchase equipment.
“It’s about $3,600 for one turnout,” Fire Captain Joe Mitchell said of a firefighter’s gear. The expense comes from the fact that each piece of equipment needs to be fire rated, and that gear needs to be updated to ensure a firefighter’s safety.
The revenue the department brings in comes from the rural tax base as well as a yearly fundraising picnic.
“Sometimes an insurance policy has a clause and we will get reimbursed and we get donations, but we don’t send people a bill,” Mitchell said. “Imagine getting a bill after your house catches on fire.”
The department scarcely gets by with what they get from taxes, donations and occasional reimbursement.
“It’s never enough,” Mitchell said. “We’ve learned to operate on a tight budget and be very careful. If we have a truck break down, we don’t have enough to replace it, and these trucks are getting older.”
The savings account will help, but if the department isn’t able to keep up with the cost of purchasing new equipment, their ability to respond to emergencies will be compromised.
“We just might not be able to put out the fire,” said Gene Posivio, board member.
The department did have enough money to recently purchase a much-needed set of jaws.
“We use them to cut into cars to help get people out,” Mitchell said. “Now we can work on two cars at the same time.”
Fire Chief Jeremiah Morigeau said the department could also use more volunteers. If anyone is interested, they should call him at 406-240-1810.
The summer picnic to help raise funding is changing this year. People can still bid on donated auction items like landscaping materials and artwork, but this year, the food won’t be in a buffet line.
“We will have concession style food,” Mitchell said of barbecue pork, salad, and other items. “But we won’t have as much food.”
Mitchell said that the auction brings in less revenue every year, and he hopes the levy will pass, so the department can afford the cost of updating and fixing equipment.
