A RESOLUTION OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF OREGON
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-017
Regarding Rural Fire Protection Coverage
WHEREAS, not all improved properties within seven miles of a rural fire station are paying taxes for fire coverage; and
WHEREAS, these properties are not readily identified and are often surrounded by tax paying properties they often receive coverage; and
WHEREAS, these properties are often also receiving a reduced insurance rating due to proximity to a rural fire station; and
WHEREAS, the cost of providing fire protection has continued to increase and fire departments are not able to keep up with the costs, and
WHEREAS, rural fire departments are unable to replace aging and worn-out equipment or maintain staffing levels to provide coverage at national standard, and
WHEREAS, the lack of updated and fully functional modern equipment may place the safety of rural responders and the public is in jeopardy, and
WHEREAS, the addition of the tax dollars from these properties would assist the rural fire protection districts in maintaining services, and
WHEREAS, current Oregon Revised Statutes do not mandate new improvement to be added to a rural fire protection district which often creates a checkerboard of unprotected and protected properties, and
NOW, THEREFORE, THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF OREGON RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. We urge the Oregon legislature to pass laws requiring all improved lands and new improvements within a specified distance of a rural fire station of an established Rural Fire Protection District to be annexed into the district and be levied fair, progressive, fire protection taxes.
Section 2. The Chair of the Democratic Party of Oregon will forward a copy of this resolution to the Oregon House Speaker and Senate President, appropriate members of the Oregon House and Senate, to all County Commission Chairs, and to all established Rural Fire Protection Districts in Oregon.
Resolution submitted by : Lupe Preciado McAlister, Stonewall Caucus
Adopted November 17,2019
