Legislator encourages vote for Polson Rural levy

On March 25, our Polson Rural Fire Department responded to two fires in the early morning hours, demonstrating their commitment and quick response in rescuing two local businesses. As voters, you are now presented with a levy to fund our Polson Rural Fire District. It is crucial to understand the facts surrounding this levy and its necessity for our community.

The current levy that supports the Polson Rural Fire District is nearing expiration. The proposed measure asks voters to continue this essential funding with a modest increase.

Maintaining this levy is vital for the fire department to preserve swift response times, bolster volunteer firefighters, and ensure the continued provision of critical fire protection and emergency services. By voting to renew the levy, residents are helping to safeguard the safety and well-being of people and property in our area.

Key facts about the Polson Rural Fire District:

• The Polson Rural Fire District covers approximately 200 square miles and serves around 6,000 residents in Lake County.

• The department relies on volunteers who provide fire protection, emergency response, and public safety services.

• Home insurance rates are influenced by the proximity to the nearest fire station within the community.

• The department is facing a greater number of emergency calls, increased wildland fire risks, and rising demand for emergency services and response.

• The levy will allow the rural fire department to replace aging equipment, recruit new volunteers, provide training and equipment for volunteers, and keep pace with increasing call volume and service needs.

• This is a seven-year taxl evy for the Polson Rural Fire District.

For a home with an assessed value of $100,000, the estimated cost is $0.57 per month, or $6.86 per year. For a home with an assessed value of $300,000, the estimated cost is $0.85 per month, or $20.57 per year. For a home with an assessed value of $600,000, the estimated cost is $3.92 per month, or $47.08 per year.

As your elected House Representative for Polson District 13, and as a fellow homeowner who has personally experienced the threat of three fires near my own property, I urge you to support this important tax levy for the Polson Rural Fire District.

– Linda E. Reksten, Polson

Representative, House District 13