On Wednesday, during a special board meeting, the CPUD directors once more attempted to cast their votes on the once-failed resolution to bring two ballot measures to a special election in May to help fund the squabbling fire department.
Operating with a nearly 1.2 million dollar deficit, the once full-time fire service was forced into transitioning into a volunteer-run department on what remaining funds were held. Yet, those monies would only last through the following year. With few other options, a special tax levy was the only solution.
The board’s second attempt resulted in three board members voting in favor, and one member deliberately chose to refrain from casting a vote. Also noteworthy is that one vacant seat remains. General Manager Adam Cox says For voting, the abstention vote will count as a yes vote in the situation. Therefore, CPUD will be moving forward with asking voters for their support.
The two measures will be presented to voters as a $450 per parcel tax to maintain a volunteer department and a $1,500 per parcel tax to fund a 24/7 fire department with at least 2 to 3 full-time firefighters.
General Manager Adam Cox said that if both measures do not garner voter approval, Chester will have no fire department.
The special election is slated to be held on May 7th. As for the Fire Department, it will continue its transition into a volunteer department by February.
