The Missoula Rural Fire District’s Board of Trustees recently agreed to place a measure to increase the District’s Mill Levy.  MRFD Fire Chief Bill Colwell said the decision was unanimous:

"The purpose of the mill levy is to retain six firefighter/EMTs who were hired in 2012 under a federal grant, which staffed us for adequate fire and emergency response," Colwell said. "Through that staffing, MRFD has been able to increase our staffing during peak response hours, immediate response needs, and providing adequate response for our customers."

If the mill levy increase is not approved, the District would have to reduce the number of career firefighter/EMTs at all stations. However, if the mill levy is approved, this would be the first voter approved increase to the MRFD’s Mill Levy since 1992.

"The 10.04 mills generates $440,766 for MRFD," Colwell said. "For a home with a value of $100,000, that a $13.14 increase per year or about $1.10 per month. For a $200,000 that's an increase of $26.29 per year, or $2.19 per month."

The District’s Mill Levy by 10.04 mills is expected to be on the May 6 ballot.

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