Update: Fire Department Public Info Meeting Postponed to March 12

Update Tuesday, Feb. 7: The public information meeting that had been scheduled for this Thursday, Feb. 9 has been postponed until Monday, March 12. It is still set to begin at 7 p.m. at the Cumberland station.

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There's been much discussion in town about what new taxes may be coming this year to pay for fire service provided by Enumclaw/Fire District No. 28, following this article from the Courier-Herald that ran in December.

According to the article, not only did this year's fire levy rate jump from about 89 cents per $1,000 assessed value to $1.09 per $1,000, but fire officials are aiming to put a levy lid lift measure on the April special election ballot, pushing taxes higher.

This is to help pay for more staff, according to the article, as well as building improvements and land for a new headquarters on Roosevelt Avenue.

The prospective new taxes are not welcomed news for many in the community, as reflected by these Courier-Herald letters to the editor by former City Councilman Rich Elfers (Letter 1|Letter 2) and local businessman Mike Qualls (Letter 1|Letter 2).

Fire Commissioner Chris Ingham has responded to their concerns in his own letter as well.

So, do you have an opinion on the matter? Or more questions? The Fire Department is hosting a public information meeting this Thursday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. at the Cumberland station (35420 Veazie-Cumberland Road) to answer your questions and address your concerns. It is the last of three public information meetings, as advertised on the department's newly revamped website (www.enumclawfire.com).