As the business manager for Lane Fire Authority, I help ensure the district’s finances are managed responsibly so we can continue providing reliable fire and emergency medical services to our community. The local option levy on the November ballot would fund our daily operations: things like emergency medical response, fire protection, training and equipment maintenance. The current levy, first approved in 2021, expires next year, and the proposed measure would renew it with a small increase to keep pace with rising costs.

Since 2021, our expenses have grown significantly. Maintenance and repair costs, ambulance licensing fees, overtime, health care, insurance and other personnel-related costs have consistently risen, some of them substantially. To sustain service levels, we’ve had to draw on reserves, something we can’t do long term.

The proposed levy would help maintain current service levels, hire two additional firefighters, and build a modular staff building at Station 109 on Spencer Creek Road to improve response times.

As someone who works closely with our budget, I can say with confidence that Lane Fire Authority manages taxpayer dollars carefully and transparently. We work hard to balance fiscal responsibility with the need to provide dependable emergency services for everyone who lives, works, and travels in our district.

More information about the levy is available at www.lanefire.org/localoptionlevy. 

Cheryl Hunter
Blachly