Residents in Benton County Fire District 1 are approaching a vote on a proposed levy lid lift that would impact local homeowners. The levy would cost homeowners an average of $7 more per month. Chief Scott Loparco of the Benton County Fire District 1 recently held a presentation at Station 120 in Finley to explain the intended use of the additional funds. “It’s very important, obviously, to keep doing the things we need to do some of our long term planning and keep up with the times,” said Loparco.
He emphasized the need to update emergency medical service equipment and hire more personnel, noting that EMS care constitutes 68% of the district’s approximately 2,000 calls each year. The proposed levy would raise the cost from $1.28 to $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Currently, the average home in the area, valued at just over $400,000, pays $540 annually. If the levy passes, this would increase by about $93 to just over $630 per year. A Q&A session is scheduled for July 26 for those seeking more information. The vote will take place on August 5.
