Arcata Fire District Needs Your Help in Passing the Proposed Special Tax, Measure R

ARCATA, Ca. (KIEM) – The Arcata Fire District held a meeting on Friday, January 24 discussing Measure R which is a proposed tax to increase district revenues

This special tax for the Arcata Fire District would replace the 1997 special tax.

If approved by 2/3 votes in the March 2020 primary election, the tax would generate approximately $2.2 million.

The Arcata Fire District provides critical emergency care and fire protection to the communities of Mckinleyville, Manila, Bayside, Jacoby Creek and the city of Arcata.

The purpose of Measure R will restore three vacant firefighter positions, repair and replace fire engines and equipment.

For the past 3 years, the board had to cut spending, deferring equipment maintenance and using reserve funds to prevent station closures and layoffs.

2019 was the last year Arcata fire district could sustain the current level of service and keep three fire stations staffed.

Calls for service have nearly doubled in the past two decades, and without this tax, the fire district will have to shut down one of the 3 fire stations.

Friday’s meeting was the first of six scheduled meetings discussing Measure R and the importance for the district to secure additional funding and maintain current levels of service to the community.

For more information about the Measure R proposed tax you can go to their website at www.arcatafire.org

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