Bull Lake Fire asking for 28 additional mills

Trustee and treasurer of the Bull Lake Fire District Gerald Wallace said it’s time for the department to get a raise.

“The original 10-mill levy voted on in 1989 generates $9,000 per year. Right now our operating budget is between $30,000 and $32,000 a year,” Wallace said.

To make up for the difference the department has organized fundraisers and taken on wild land fire fighting projects. But with the district growing and new housing going up in the area Wallace said the need for more stable funding is at hand.

So on May 12 the Bull Lake Fire Department is seeking to impose a 28-mill increase to 38 mills in order to raise approximately $36,700 per year for the purpose of maintaining the current budget and improving the services of the department.

If the levy passes property taxes for a home with a value of $100,000 will increase approximately $49.78 per year.

The ballot asks the voter whether they are for or against the levy increase.

On Feb. 4, Resolution 2015-1 was brought before the county commissioners. Commissioner Larson made a motion to allow Bull Lake Fire District to run a mill levy, which was seconded by commissioner Cole. Commissioner Mark Peck was absent.

Wallace said the levy increase is necessary to keep the department functioning and viable.

All improvements and trainings the department is able to undertake Wallace said helps to lower the Insurance Service Organization rating for residents in the area. Lower ratings means lower insurance rates for homeowners.

Wallace said effective Nov. 1, 2014, the Insurance Service Organization rating for his home in the Bull Lake area dropped from 9 to 6, resulting in a $600 savings for the year.

The department is looking to build a new fire station, but Wallace said none of the money from the levy increase will go toward the endeavor. Land has been donated for a new building and construction costs will be covered by fundraising efforts.

According to Wallace, the current fire station was built in the 1970s and is little more than a barn that lacks proper insulation. He said the cost of heating the building is immensely high.