Argument in favor of Measure F

Measure F provides the necessary funding to continue Fire and Emergency Medical Service by the Hayfork Volunteer Fire Department at current levels into the foreseeable future.

Annexation of most parcels in the populated area of the greater Hayfork Valley Area provides a basis to generate about $160,000 per year to operate the Fire and Rescue Services we have come to expect and appreciate since the department was started in 1948.  Currently the only money received from taxpayers is less than $30,000 per year, the same amount the department got in 1985.

The cost of doing business has increased with Workmen’s Compensation taking half the annual budget.  Other cost increases in vehicle insurance, fuel, heat and lights, training and safety equipment eat up the remaining dollars, usually before the end of the fiscal year.

Your local firemen have been generating the additional revenue to operate by responding to Mutual Aid fires outside the district, for which the district receives money to pay its bills.  Fundraisers and donations from generous community members and various grants have kept the department functioning, but old equipment is needing more frequent and costly repairs and someday soon will need to be replaced.

The Fire Commissioners of the Hayfork Fire Protection District are mandated by law to provide fire protection within the boundaries of the district.  If the annexation of the additional parcels and the Benefit Assessment provided for by Measure F are not approved, services will need to be reduced.  It is anticipated that without the passage of Measure F the Fire Department will be providing service only within the current Fire District Boundary, which is about the same as the Water District.  Emergency medical service within the district could also be in jeopardy.

Signed

Hayfork Fire Protection District Board of Directors