This is a response to Bruce Morrison’s letter to the editor.

Mr. Morrison has written several letters concerning Baker Rural Fire Protection District’s requested tax levy attempts in the past. All were anti-tax levy, energetic and passionate in how he conveyed his message. All were pointed in how the district is doing everything poorly, and mismanaged; yet, Mr. Morrison has never been to a district board meeting to learn the facts of how the district operates, but he has just been invited! Informational open house events have been held over the years at the Pine Creek station, and public attendance has been negligible, as well as public attendance at district board meetings. These meetings are open to the public and a valuable resource to learn more about your emergency services. Pine Creek Station is less than two road miles from Mr. Morrison’s home, with half a dozen volunteers who live close to the station.

Bakerruralfirepd.org is our website with notices and information concerning your fire district. Please take the time to learn more about the operations, ask questions, and learn the truth. All insurance rates are rising, across the nation, and in some areas insurance companies are no longer writing policies for homeowners at all. BRFPD insurance rates have risen nearly 60% in the last several years, as well as increasing requirements on apparatus, protective equipment and operations. This is true for all fire departments and districts, no matter the size or location. The cost of providing fire and emergency services is escalating faster than can be kept up with that the original base tax rate of 67 cents per $1,000 assessed property value.

Nobody wants to pay more taxes, but the reality is that without this levy, response capabilities of your district could be affected. At that point you won’t pay more taxes, but you will pay higher insurance premiums, if it’s available, which are affected by how well equipped, trained, and staffed (volunteer or paid) your fire district is.

Baker Rural Fire Protection District is your district. Vote for the response you expect, when you need it! Get involved. Learn the facts, not the rhetoric.

Collin Kaseberg

BRFPD board member