REDMOND, OR -- Redmond Fire and Rescue is asking voters to approve a higher local option levy on November seventh. It would replace a 2020 levy a year early. 

Fire Chief Pat Dale says the district has seen a 26%increase in population in the past 10 years, while call volumes have risen 68%. "We’re already behind currently, because we have staffing of two firefighter/paramedics on engines," Chief Dale tells KBND News, "Where really the national standard is four, and what we’re aiming for is three people on a fire engine." He also wants to end the practice of cross-staffing, which is when there aren’t enough people to staff a station’s engine and a medic unit at the same time. Dale cites the Eagle Crest station is an example of how dangerous it can be, "80% of the time, eight out of 10 calls, they get on the medic unit, and when they transport - We transport people to local hospitals - When they transport, there’s probably a two to three-hour turnaround time that leaves that whole station’s area uncovered for two to three hours." If a fire or other incident occurs during that time, he says, a truck would have to respond from downtown Redmond or even Bend. 

The 75 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value is a 48-cent increase over the current rate. Dale says that’s about $94 more a year for the average Redmond home, "We’re going to discontinue the final year of the current local option levy, that’s at 27 cents, if it passes in November." He adds, "100% of it will go to staffing. It’s not going to any equipment or stations or fire trucks. It’s all to hire additional firefighter/paramedics and to address recruitment and retention of our current employees."

If the levy fails next month, Dale says they’ll have to ask again in the next election, "We’re not able to keep up with the current increase in population and that disproportionate call volume. So, likely we’ll have to, frankly, search for another source of revenue, which our only other option really is to go back out again for that levy." Visit Redmond Fire & Rescue's levy website to learn more about its request. 

Crooked River Ranch Fire is also asking for voters to approve a levy increase. Tuesday, October 17th is the voter registration deadline for the special election on November seventh.