We want our community to know how emergency services are funded.
Daily operations are funded by a fire levy that is capped at $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Over time, the levy rate falls as property values rise to limit the fire district to roughly the same amount of revenue per year plus a 1% increase allowed by law. At times, we ask our community for a “lid lift” to fund higher call volumes and increasing costs for service. Capital items, like fire stations, are funded by bonds. Within the next five years, the fire district anticipates asking voters for a lid lift to fund operations and a bond for a new station. Both funding sources require voter approval and are paid through property taxes.
We are good stewards of your tax dollars.
Fire District 3 operates under a balanced budget and has history of passing its financial and accountability audits by the state. There is a Strategic Plan in place that guides our policy and spending decisions. We actively look for ways to be more cost-effective by developing partnerships with neighboring agencies, and applying for grants to secure apparatus and equipment. We maintain adequate reserves so our fire district is financially sound.
We’re keeping promises by completing projects you funded.
Voters approved a fire levy lid lift in 2017 to hire four additional firefighters, improve our training program, and replace apparatus. These items were critical to maintain emergency services levels for our growing community. We’re actively recruiting for volunteer and resident firefighters to help respond to calls.
Impact fees help offset costs associated with growth.
Our community has grown 25% since 2011. Call volumes have increased 60% in the same time period. Property taxes from new homes pay for daily operations, but they don’t cover capital costs for items such as fire stations and apparatus that are needed to serve new development. Fire districts in Clark County are asking the Clark County Council to allow collection of impact fees from new development to reduce impacts to existing taxpayers.
fire3.org 