Rachel Rosen reports:
Oak Harbor citizens voted to raise property taxes in order for the fire department to build a new station, hire more staff and purchase new equipment.
In the Nov. 8 election, the fire protection property tax levy lid lift passed with 60% of the vote and the general obligation bonds for fire station and equipment passed with 62% of the vote. The vote for the bonds required a 60% supermajority.
They Said It
Fire Chief Ray Merrill said he wasn’t certain beforehand that the bond would pass.
“It’s always tough when you’re asking for more money for taxes,” he said.
Merrill said he was “really thankful” that both had passed as both were necessary for the department to make improvements.
