Media Releases

KLEW-TV - February 15, 2017
ACFD1 new fire station hits snag

Lewiston Tribune - February 15, 2017
Fire Department sparks subject of levy increase

In the News

Location & Hours

Fire Levy Lid Lift

2377 Appleside Boulevard

Clarkston WA 99403
(509) 758-5181

Tuesday-Friday 10:00-2:00

Call for an appointment at other times
If emergency, call 9-1-1

THANK YOU FROM CHIEF NOEL HARDIN

November 8, 2017

Asotin County Fire District 1 wants to thank the community for approving a fire levy lid lift during the November election. Your support means that will be able to strengthen our volunteer program, maintain emergency service levels, replace aging apparatus, and finish our station project on Appleside Boulevard.

We take the trust you place in us very seriously to save lives and property, and be good stewards of your tax dollars. We will report back as progress is made in all these areas through our newsletter, web site, Facebook page and the news media.

Thank you again for your continued support.

ABOUT THE FIRE LEVY LID LIFT

The Board of Fire Commissioners asked voters to approve a fire levy lid lift during the November 2017 General Election to return the fire levy to $1.06 per $1,000 of assessed property value – the same rate it was in 1995.

Asotin County Fire District 1 formed in 1951. This was the first time in its history that voters were asked to approve an increase in funding for the fire levy.

Call volumes have been steadily increasing (13% since 2011), and the fire district is ready. It has expanded the volunteer firefighter program, and purchased land with a building that will serve as a larger fire station and training facility for firefighters. This station, funded in part with a $750,000 federal grant, will accommodate district volunteers, apparatus and equipment for the next 50 years.

A portion of the lid lift will be used to finish the station project and pay cash to replace aging apparatus instead of financing these projects or purchases which costs taxpayers more with interest payments. In addition to saving lives, these projects are important to maintain the fire district’s insurance rating which is lined to the amount homeowners pay in insurance premiums.

The maximum a fire district is allowed to levy is $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value, but Fire District 1 didn't need that much. Fire District 1 asked voters to return the fire levy from 72 cents to $1.06 per $1,000. This would cost the owner of a $200,000 home an additional $5.66 per month ($68 per year). This amount is sufficient to finish the station, maintain emergency service levels and protect its insurance rating with the state.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Answers to frequently asked questions about the levy lid lift can be found here.

PUBLIC MEETINGS WERE HELD:

June 13 at 5:00 PM

July 11 at 5:00 PM

INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS WERE HELD:

October 24 – 7:00 p.m.
October 28 – 10:00 a.m.

Fire Station at 2314 Appleside Boulevard, Clarkston, WA 99403