I want to take this opportunity to thank Lewis County Fire District 4 voters for supporting the recent fire station construction bond. Although a majority (57.2%) of the voters approved the bond, it failed because we were shy of the necessary 60%.
For those not aware, our existing station is 84 years old and originally was a car dealership. It was purchased in 2015 thanks to a generous donation from the Maybell Phillips Trust. It cost the taxpayers nothing.
However, the building currently does not meet our increasing demand for fire services. As a commissioner, it is hard for me to see our volunteers changing in and out of their fire gear standing next to a portable space-heater. The building does not have any HVAC system.
Over the past four years, we have reviewed various construction options and funding sources, but the contractors we consulted estimated costs could be up to $9 million for a new building. Instead, now our plan is to remodel the existing steel building in back of the station for our office staff, demolish the current fire station and build a simple new “pole building” to house our vehicles and fire apparatus.
Nothing fancy at all
The bond amount of $3 million may seem high, but it is the most fiscally responsible option.
Nobody likes taxes, but we’ve exhausted all other means to address this issue. Asking taxpayers for a bond was our last resort.
Lewis County Fire District 4 has never asked for a bond from the taxpayers — ever.
So, we will be bringing the bond issue back before our voters at the next election, and hopefully we will gain greater than 60% favorability. Your fire chief and commissioners are committed to providing the best emergency services possible while understanding financial limitations.
But we encourage anyone interested to come see the existing fire station for yourself. Hopefully, then, your vote to approve will help us pass the future bond issue.
Respectfully submitted,
Pam Cool
Commissioner
Lewis County Fire District 4 (Morton)
