Initial returns show voters again defeating two measures that would raise property taxes to help fund two rural fire districts in Lane County. But a measure to renew a five-year local option tax for the Dexter Rural Fire Protection District was leading.

Lane Fire Authority 

For Lane Fire Authority, 53.3% of voters had voted against the levy, while 46.7% had voted for it, as of 8 p.m., Tuesday.

The fire district serves western Lane County, including the communities of Santa Clara, Elmira, Noti, Walton, Veneta and Crow. 

Lane Fire Authority’s measure asked voters to approve a five-year local option levy to impose a tax of 55 cents for every $1,000 of assessed property value. The current levy of 35 cents per $1,000, expires in June. The November measure, which asked for the same increase, was defeated 53.2% to 46.7%.

District leaders say the levy increase is designed to account for a 20% increase in calls since the 2021 levy was approved and will pay for two new full-time firefighter positions and staffing quarters at one station.

South Lane County Fire & Rescue Station #201 in Cottage Grove, April 10, 2026. Credit: Lucas Hellberg / Lookout Eugene-Springfield

South Lane County Fire & Rescue

For South Lane County Fire & Rescue, 60.2% of voters had voted against the levy, while 39.9% had voted for it, as of 8 p.m., Tuesday.

The fire district serves the cities of Cottage Grove and Creswell, as well as the surrounding area, which includes the unincorporated communities of Saginaw and Walker. 

The measure asked voters to approve a five-year local option tax to increase the tax from 47 cents to 94 cents per $1,000 of assessed value beginning in July. Nearly 54% of voters rejected the same increase in the November election.

The fire chief has said the increase would allow the district to hire six additional firefighter-paramedics, with three hired initially and three more within a year of the ballot measure’s passage.

Dexter Rural Fire Protection District

In the Dexter Rural Fire Protection District, voters looked likely to renew the district’s five-year local option tax, which funds around-the-clock staffing, daily operations, equipment, training and maintenance. That measure led 64% to 36% in the 8 p.m. results.

The Dexter ballot measure would not increase the tax rates that property owners currently pay annually.