The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

To the Eagle,

In response to last week's letter regarding the fire departments merging, the new six member board of commissioners would set the tax rates, from what I can determine.

The bond that District 4 now has will be paid for by the taxpayers of that district, not Puget Island residents.

The main reason Puget Island Fire Department was able to purchase a new truck five years ago was because a gentleman donated about $170,000 to the department; otherwise we would have had to go to the taxpayers of the Island for a bond to buy that truck. Our other truck is a 1985 model, which is old for a fire truck, and it will need to be replaced soon.

All the local fire departments were re-evaluated by the State Fire Rating Board this past year. The Island department rating went from an 8 to a 6, the lower the better, which should lower your insurance premiums if you live within 1000 feet of a hydrant. This was possible because of the installation of more fire hydrants, the amount of equipment and fire personnel able to respond to a call, and training. This was made possible because of the number of trucks and firemen that respond from District #4.

Some people have suggested to just leave it like it is, but the Island residents can’t expect the taxpayers of District #4 to supply most of the equipment and personnel to Island fires for free.

In my opinion, it is by far a plus for the Island residents, to merge with District 4. So if you haven’t sent in your petition yet, please sign and print your name on the petition and mail it in. If you have any further questions or concerns, we invite you to attend our next fire commissioner meeting on February 17 at 7 p.m.

Scott Kehrli, Chief

Wahkiakum Co. Fire Protection District 1

Puget Island