Lewis County Fire District 3’s bid for a new fire station is falling just short of the 60 percent threshold in the general election.
As of Wednesday afternoon, 59.54 percent of voters weighed in favor of the $1.2 million bond.
While 284 people supported it, 193 voters — or 40.46 percent — opposed it.
In March, the Mossyrock fire district fell just short of the 60 percent approval threshold it needed to pass the bond measure to replace its aging main station.
“We’re in a 1940s era building that is just too small for our operation,” said Chief Doug Fosburg in October, of the district’s main station at 137 E. Main St.
The district doesn’t have enough room at the existing fire hall for the two ambulances, fire engine, water tender and brush rig that are stored there. The district’s training and office areas are in the same room. Fosburg called the existing location, “very cramped and very small.”
The district has two substations in addition to the main station. The new station would be built at 238 Mossyrock Road east.
About 57 percent of voters approved the measure in the last election cycle, Fosburg said.
Repayment of the bonds would cost residents 62 cents per $1,000 assessed value over the 15-year life of the bond.
In the past few months, the district has been working to raise awareness for the project, in an attempt to reach the 60 percent majority it needs to pass the bond.
