Editor:

The upcoming election has an important ballot question that affects everyone in the midvalley. The Basalt and Rural Fire Protection District is asking for a property tax increase to make up the lost revenues caused by the declining property assessments. Replacing aging equipment can not be accomplished at the current funding levels. Most of the major fire-fighting and emergency medical equipment is old and needs to be upgraded in order for the district to maintain appropriate levels of service. Demands for service have increased over the years causing equipment to degrade at an accelerated rate. If the equipment is not upgraded, there is a good chance that ISO ratings will be altered resulting in the possibility of higher insurance rates that we will all have to pay. Higher insurance rates may be more than the increase in tax the district is requesting from voters.

The district relies mostly on volunteers to answer medical and fire incidents. They give many hours of their time training and responding to calls and being on call for the benefit of all that live in the district. Let’s give them quality equipment so that the Basalt and Rural Fire Protection agency and their volunteers can provide us the best protection possible. Any questions can be answered by contacting the District Office at 704-0675.

Please vote “yes” on 4A of your ballot.
 
Leroy Duroux
Basalt