15 Mar Letter to Residents
March 15, 2023
Dear Residents of the Emmet – Chalmers Fire Protection District,
We would like to thank you for your continued support of your fire department. As you are probably aware, the Emmet – Chalmers Fire Protecton District (ECFPD) is a volunteer fire department that provides emergency services to our district. This department is composed of volunteers who give freely of their time to attend meetings, trainings, and most importantly, to be on call and ready to respond to assist each of us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The firefighters and trustees are grateful for the support that we have received for our fundraisers. It is through efforts like this that we have been able to purchase needed gear and equipment for our firefighters. However, we must face the fact that costs continue to rise and we are all facing some tough times financially. The trustees have worked diligently to keep our costs down.
Ten years ago, voters overwhelmingly approved a bond referendum that provided additional funding. This bond provided revenue to maintain and acquire needed equipment, and is paid off as of last year.
Our plan is to continue to provide emergency services at the highest possible standards. We are planning ahead for the future and we need continued support from those we serve. Due to increased costs, increased call volume, and the necessity to replace aging equipment, we are asking for a tax increase. There will be a referendum on this Spring’s ballot. Additional revenue will be set aside for capital expenses, mainly fire apparatus.
Last year, property owners with a single family home having a fair market value of $100,000, paid an estimated property tax of $33.23 to the ECFPD. We are seeking a gradual increase spread out over four years. In levy year 2022, the tax is estimated to be $43.19. In levy year 2023, the tax is estimated to be $56.16. In levy year 2024, the tax is estimated to be $73.00. In levy year 2025, the tax is estimated to be $94.90. We believe this increase is modest and will provide necessary funding to improve services.
We will be hosting an information meeting on Thursday, March 23 at 7pm at our fire station. We invite you to come and learn more about this referendum and how we will continue to provide emergency services in the future. We hope to be able to answer all your questions at this meeting.
Thank you for your consideration and we hope that we can count on your YES vote.
Sincerely,
The Trustees and Firefighters of the Emmet – Chalmers Fire Protection District