District officials said they are strapped for cash. In fact, money is so tight, the district had to borrow more than $300,000 to pay the bills for the rest of the year.
Fire Chief John VanGorkom said he has cut everything - reduced phone and fax lines, changed workers' compensation, switched health insurance and periodically closed down the Bates City station - and still, the district is in the red.
Sni Valley officials are asking for voters on Tuesday to pass three ballot issues: two taxes and one general-obligation bond. Officials said the bond issue will not translate into a tax increase.
The first ballot request is for a 42-cent levy increase. The money would go into the general fund and pay bills, such as salary, gas, repairs and insurance.
The current levy is 48.14 cents. VanGorkom said the levy hasn't changed since 1997 and hasn't kept pace with the increased costs for gas, insurance and personnel.
