Andy Drobeck writes, "This mill levy is an investment in the safety of our growing number of citizens. Missoula needs a fire department that serves the Missoula we are now."
As the city asks voters in Missoula to consider passing a fire levy this spring to help the Missoula Fire Department keep up with growth, it's also reminding residents that doing so may be tied to their insurance premiums.
If passed, it would generate $7 million a year for the Missoula Fire Department and fund a new station and new fire company, and bring the department's response times within national standards.
Limited resources and a growing number of calls has left the Missoula Fire Department unable to meet the national standard for response times and without a new station and additional staffing, the gap will continue to grow, officials said Wednesday.
Citing staffing issues and delays in response times, the Missoula Firefighters Union is asking the city to place a levy on the November ballot to fund the department's needs.
Tavis Campbell writes, "Mike understands that city growth, coupled with city policy, have burdened the Fire Department to a point where the department can no longer effectively manage operations."
Richard Meisinger writes, "Need to spend $4 million on a park rather than build another fire station and hire the people to staff it. Cost for this endeavor could be the life of one of your citizens."
Voters in Missoula this November will consider a request by the fire department to levy up to 40 mills to fund a new fire company, a new station, the Mobile Support Team, equipment and costs over time.
The Missoula Fire Department is looking to put a levy on the November ballot that would help them fund everything from new firefighters to building a new fire station.