The Holt Community Fire Protection District is asking the residents of the district to vote on a tax levy that will increase funding to the fire department. The increased funds will be used for vehicle and station maintenance as well an additional full-time firefighter.

*It’s just not enough personnel to respond to a critically ill or injured [person], and it’s certainly not enough to respond to a fire of any sort - Chief Robert Looper*

The question is on the November 2 ballot and if residents approve the measure it will add an additional operating tax levy of not more than $0.35 per $100 assessed valuation on personal property.

“Right now we have two people on duty, an EMT and a paramedic,” said Chief Robert Looper. “It’s just not enough personnel to respond to a critically ill or injured [person], and it’s certainly not enough to respond to a fire of any sort.”

In addition to the two full-time people, the Holt Fire Protection District also has two volunteer firefighters that are very active. These individuals give about 100 hours per month of their own time. Chief Looper appreciates their service, but says an additional full-time person would make a huge difference to the district.

“We need somebody here to immediately respond with the duty crew,” says Looper. “We’d like to have that third person on duty, in the station, ready to go with us at all times.”

The $0.35 levy will also be used for station and vehicle maintenance. The Fire Protection District has needed to cut its budget because expenses have risen and income has stayed the same. Expenses like fuel, insurance, and maintenance have increased to the point where the fire district is trying to stay afloat.

The Holt Fire Protection District is 60 square miles and serves about 7400 people in Clay and Clinton Counties. If passed the district projects it will bring in $275,000 per year. The cost to the district to have three people on duty per shift is $230,000 per year.

“It will be enough to cover salary expenses, health care, the whole nine yards, plus it will give us a little extra in our budget to flush out our maintenance issues,” explains Looper.

For more information about the tax levy, residents should visit holtfire.org/2021-tax-levy-information.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story