||| FROM DAVID TURNOY |||
I write in support of the current proposed Orcas Island Fire and Rescue Levy. After listening to voters at the Orcas Center town hall and BOFC meetings, the new Fire Commission has crafted a levy that will restore staffing to previous levels, maintain 24/7 EMS and Fire response, and provide regular maintenance of current response vehicles. This 5-year temporary levy increases the rate from $.53 per $1,000 to $.77, but this increase is much less than that proposed in the two failed measures last year.
An important point to note is that currently, if two calls come in simultaneously, service is being supplied by a combination of full-time employees and volunteers. If volunteers are not available and an EMT or paramedic is absent, simultaneous calls can’t be answered. Relying on volunteers for this is not the best solution. Passing the levy will restore the ability to answer two calls at the same time.
Mr. Turnoy, could it be that part of the reason the levy has been reduced is because the cost of replacing aging fire trucks, ambulances etc will have to be addressed with future bonds or levies? These capital costs were on the prior levies.
I support this new levy but would also like to see everyone providing complete explanations im their articles.
I fully support the proposed Orcas Island Fire and Rescue Levy as obviously necessary for our remote community with a large elderly population and concerns over the increase in wild fire activity. Any improvement in the availability to provide quality medical intervention 24/7 is highly desirable.