The 1.2-mill, 5-year operating levy was first introduced and passed in 2000, and generates about $173,000 a year, which Fire Chief Robert Keller said represents 26 percent of the operating budget for the department.
''It really is necessary,'' Keller said. ''It's used for the day-to-day expenses that we incur, and it's important revenue because we want to maintain the level of service we've been giving to our citizens.''
The chief stressed that by passing the levy, residents would not be taxing themselves more than what they are currently paying. For the owner of a $100,000 home, that tax is about $27.96 annually.
Keller does not expect the levy to fail, but said if it does, the issue will be placed on the ballot again Nov. 2. The current levy expires at the end of this year.
''We want voters to know we are using their money efficiently,'' he said. ''We appreciate the support of the community and we just hope we can continue to meet their needs.''
