CANBY FIRE DISTRICT BOND MEASURE TO BE PLACED ON NOVEMBER 2018 BALLOT
The Canby Fire District’s Board of Directors have unanimously agreed to place an approximately $4.9 million bond measure on the November 6, 2018 ballot. The bond will be Measure 3-542. According to Board President Steve Thoroughman, “Canby’s population has grown by approximately 61% since the main station was built in 1996 and calls for fire and medical emergencies have grown by 131% during the same time period. Funds from the bond measure would help ensure the District maintains its current level of emergency response services by allowing it to upgrade fire and medical response equipment, as well as the District’s two stations, to support the number of firefighter/medics required for our current emergency call volume.” Canby Fire Chief James X. Davis reports that in 2017, District firefighter/medics responded to 2,888 calls for service. According to Davis, “Funds from the bond measure would be used to upgrade the District’s medical response and firefighting equipment — for example, cardiac monitors.” Chief Davis also said bond funds would be used to purchase a ladder truck, which is needed as the height of buildings in Canby continues to increase.
In addition, bond funds would be used to create a Northside Medical Response Station, which would improve emergency medical response north of the railroad tracks. Some upgrades to the District’s second station, which is located south of Canby on Highway 170, would also be made with funds from the bond. This station responds to emergencies in the southern part of the District and is staffed by volunteers. Cost of the approximately 10-year, $4.9 million bond measure is estimated to be 28¢ per $1,000 of assessed value. For property assessed at $280,000, about average for residential property in the District, the cost is estimated to be about $78 per year or about $6.50 a month.
This is the first time the Canby Fire District Board of Directors have placed a bond measure on the ballot. Canby Fire serves over 30,000 residents and businesses in the towns of Canby and Barlow, as well as the surrounding area.