REDMOND, OR -- The Board of Directors of Redmond Fire and Rescue has voted to put a Local Option Levy on the May ballot. Board President Carroll Penhollow says the levy will pay to maintain the current level of response to fire and medical emergencies. Penhollow says a growing and aging population has led to a 34-per cent increase in emergency calls in the last six years. The levy would also ensure paramedic-level response to all emergencies. In Redmond 85-per cent of calls for service are medical emergencies.