Editor:
I support the Cortez Fire Protection District’s request for a 2.5 percent mill-levy increase to keep full-time firefighters on duty 24 hours a day and fund replacement apparatus when needed. This levy would mean an increase of $29.85 a year on a $150,000 house, or $2.49 a month. It would increase the district’s budget by $361,000 a year. With all of the wildfires in the United States, you know that fire-insurance rates are about to increase. Having full-time personnel responding to fires as the call comes in will help keep our rates lower.
I know how important having full-time firefighters on duty ready to roll to a fire or accident is. I had almost 30 years directing a full-time department with 112 firefighters on duty. If you get to a fire in the first three minutes instead of 10 or 15 minutes, it can mean life and death and saving the property. I also had 12 years experience on the Cortez Fire District board. Much progress has been made, and I hope the residents of the district will support this effort to maintain full-time firefighters and improve on the service levels to the residents of this district.
Vote yes for this important issue. Thank you.
Hal Shepherd
Cortez