LANE COUNTY – As Election Day approaches, residents of Springfield, Cottage Grove, and Creswell will have the opportunity to vote on crucial measures aimed at updating fire levies for their local fire districts. These levies, which represent an additional tax on property owners, are essential for funding fire services and emergency response efforts, according to fire and city officials. Both South Lane County Fire and Rescue (SLCFR) and the City of Springfield are proposing significant increases to better meet rising operational demands.
South Lane County Fire & Rescue (SLCFR) serves around 33,000 residents across Cottage Grove, Creswell, and rural South Lane County. The district was formed in 2003 and provides fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical services, and fire prevention services to the communities.
In 2012, voters passed a five-year local option levy for the first time for 47 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, and it was renewed twice for the same amount in 2017 and 2022. The current levy is set to expire in 2027.
The measure on the ballot for South Lane residents will give voters the chance to consider replacing the District’s current levy with a new rate of 94 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value – an increase of 47 cents. For homeowners of median-priced homes in the district, valued at $198,639, this means they would pay $15.56 per month, or about $180 per year.
SLCFR Chief John Wooten said in a video message that Medic 201 is the busiest unit in the District, noting that the unit runs as many as 22 hours a day and averages 12 to 20 calls for service daily.
“Our call volume is as busy as the busiest station in the metro area,” he said.
SLCFR captain Stephen Beach told The Chronicle that, “the call volume with all the data as well has gone up 60-65% and our staffing has gone up zero. We should have 15 guys on for a shift, and we have six union members and one engineer on the shift, 24/7, but we are well below those numbers. … We need to play catch-up.”
Another unit, Medic 221, currently remains mostly unstaffed. “We’re only able to staff that unit when we have a full shift strength of seven,” Wooten said. “Most days, we cannot staff this ambulance unless we shut down the fire engine, which removes our capability to respond to and suppress fires rapidly in the Cottage Grove area.”
The higher rate of Measure #20-372 will allow the District to meet increased call volumes and costs. It will fund the purchase and staffing of a third District ambulance, and continue other financing services.
Property taxes will not increase if the measure fails, and neither will District resources. Without the new level of funding, the District will have to continue reducing its services to communities.
“I value and support their mission,” City councilor Jim Settelmeyer said.
Over the five years of the levy’s life, it is projected to raise approximately $12.9 million, according to the Notice of Measure Election.
Greg Irvin, Cottage Grove city councilor, said that he “personally (is) in support of it and hopes it passes.”
How, where, and when to vote
Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 8 p.m. is the deadline to vote. Voters are urged to return their ballots as early as possible to ensure they are received at Lane County Elections by 8 p.m.
To be counted, ballots must be received at Lane County Elections by:
Lane County Elections. Ballots can be turned in by Nov. 4, directly to the Lane County Elections Office during business hours (open until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day).
“Vote by mail makes it easy and convenient to return your ballot,” said County Clerk Tommy Gong. “And the more voters who return their ballots early, the more complete our initial election night results will be.”
Voters must also remember to sign their ballot return envelopes before mailing or returning their completed ballot to Lane County Elections. The signature is a security measure used to verify identity. Signatures are compared to those in the voter registration record. A vote may only be counted if the signatures match.
If you forget to sign the envelope or your signature does not match, you will receive a notice from Lane County Elections advising you of the issue and how to fix or “cure” it. You have until the 21st day after the election to cure your signature issue and have your ballot counted.
Voters with questions can email [email protected] or call 541-682-4234.
A 24/7 ballot drop box
Regular mail Ballots must be postmarked no later than Nov. 4 and received no later than Nov. 12 to be counted.
