Support fire levy

If you live in the Spokane Valley area, you’ve likely noticed firefighters in your neighborhoods and on street corners asking you to vote for the upcoming levy. The Spokane Valley Fire Department proudly serves Liberty Lake, Spokane Valley, Millwood and other unincorporated areas within the district’s boundaries.

This is a renewal of the same levy supported by Valley residents since the 1960s. This is not a new tax, or a tax increase. Levy revenues for 2013-2015 are the same as for this year, and provide 53 percent of the department’s budget. Levy failure would result in the closing of six of the department’s 10 stations, and the loss of all paramedic service. This loss would remain in effect until a subsequent levy could be passed.

Spokane Valley Fire Department’s current level of service also results in reduced insurance rates for residential and commercial property owners. Levy dollars are deductible on your income tax, unlike the increased insurance premiums if the levy fails. All factors considered, the levy is a valuable service for a nominal cost.

For more information, go to www.yesfirelevy.org. Vote yes on the Spokane Valley Fire Department Replacement maintenance and operations levy, and retain this vital service. Thank you.

Richard Bruce

Vice President, Spokane Valley Firefighters

Spokane