Fire district votes overwhelmingly in favor of plan

MATTAWA — Dave Hargroves was pleased with the voters' support of his volunteers Tuesday night.

The Grant County Fire District No. 8 chief was pleasantly surprised to find 85.58 percent approval for an Emergency Medical Services levy in his district.

"I would have been pleased with 75 percent, but 85 percent makes me really pleased for my volunteers," Hargroves said.

With nearly 45 percent of the ballots mailed in, the levy passed overwhelmingly with 374 votes in favor and 63 votes, or 14.42 percent, against the plan. The vote means a 25 cent per $1,000 assessed value property tax will continue on district residents for another six years.

This was the third time voters in the fire district had approved the levy, which Hargroves said brings approximately $65,000 to the district each year. Hargroves called the levy a win-win for the taxpayers and the district's base of more that 40 volunteers. It's a base, Hargroves added, that the district is always looking to add on to.

"One of the things that's great about our EMS levy, is that it helps keep our ambulance billing rates to bare bones," Hargroves said, "keeps our rates very low."

Hargroves said he was glad the community has again recognized his 248-square mile district, which serves the Mattawa area, and nearby places like Beverly and Schawana as well.

Grant County election officials had predicted a 35 percent voter turnout in the primary, which saw returns of 34.46 percent in the four municipalities voting Tuesday night. Votes are expected to continue to come into the office by mail over the next few days, and from a voter drop off location in Desert Aire. Final tallies will be made in the election Sept. 30.