FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why is the assessment necessary?​

​Currently, we face:

• Unpredictable, Voluntary Revenue Stream
• Dues with less than 50% paying
• Dues increases have not kept up with expenses
• Aging fleet, station needs, offset portion of municipal contribution and future needs

If the Current Dues System Continues-

• Inability to maintain your fire protection fleet
• Unable to sustain current level of service you have come to expect
• Fire protection will not be able to meet risk demands and insurance rating will decline
• Lack of funding in any foreseeable future to add a fire station to the west

Will the Fire Company remain a volunteer agency?
​Our intention is to continue the professional, volunteer service that has been provided since 1852.
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How will the money be spent?

​What if the City of Washington annexes into the rural district area?

​By state statute the rural district would still collect taxes from those areas for 3 years, and then they would revert to city taxation.

How do I know if I live in the area that is proposed to be the Washington  Community Fire Protection District?

Look on your Franklin County real estate tax bill.  If there is a “0.00” next to the fire amount, you are in the district.

Will my service change?

​The services you currently enjoy will still be delivered in the same way...  The Washington Community Fire District will simply provide the funding for us to continue, with agency partners (Washington Fire Company, Washington Fire Department), delivering the level of support our community has come to expect.  See our PLANS page for more details on what you can expect from the Washington Community Fire District.
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How much will this cost?

• Tax rate requested of voters is $0.30 per $100, of assessed value
  • Fire Protection for a home with $100,000 market value would increase from $40 to $57
  • Current assessed value multiplied by .003​
• When passed - Separate payment of Dues to the association will STOP​

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​Click Here for some examples of properties with current and proposed fee amounts.
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If the tax passes when will the new station be built?

We will do our best to have it done within 5 years.  We can’t say for sure what amount of funds we will receive, if it is higher than we’ve estimated, the station could be completed sooner.  We must also consider apparatus for the station in the financial plan.

​Is there a state statute that requires the department must transition to a paid  work force after a specified time period?

No, there is no such law, and we have no plans to make that change.