NEWS-TIMES WHIDBEY
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2012 | Vol. 113, No. 10 | WWW.WHIDBEYNEWSTIMES.COM | 75¢
Central Whidbey voters will decide fire future By JUSTIN BURNETT Staff reporter
Last of a series
For more than a century, fire services on Central Whidbey was handled by a single group of people — volunteers. They were our friends, our neighbors, our dentists and lawyers. They taught our children, built our houses, and worked at the local grocery. Volunteer firefighting is a proud tradition, and one that’s existed and thrived in small communities across the country for generations. Yet, for a variety of reasons, volunteer numbers are on the decline. In fact, nationally it’s at its lowest level in 25 years. Central Whidbey has been hit particularly hard. Since 1993, its complement of 57 volunteers has been whittled down to a roster of just 17, not including two in the academy. During that time, the district has transitioned to a combination department that includes 19 total paid personnel. They have helped to fill in the gap and assure adequate fire service, but it’s not enough and the ramifications of the department’s dwindling volunteer ranks has become increasingly clear with a reduction in response capabilities. Fire officials hope to tackle the problem with a 34-cent levy lid increase on the Feb. 14 special election ballot. But it’s a fix not everyone agrees with. Also, while the district can boast it is debt-free, it has a tax rate higher than its two island neighbors, both of which serve more people and respond to more calls each year. While there may be some disagreement about the need for a
This is the final story in a three-part series looking at declining volunteer levels at Central Whidbey Fire and Rescue. The problem is beginning to adversely affect the department’s performance. The district is hoping to address the issue with a 34-cent levy-lid increase on the Feb. 14 special election ballot. Estimated to garner an additional $510,000 a year, a portion would fund recruitment efforts. If passed, the total levy for a $300,000 home chalks out to $33.50 per month or $402 annually.
Central Whidbey Fire and Rescue junior firefighters ride on the back of a firetruck sometime in the 1980s. The program is no longer active but fire officials hope to revive it to drum up new volunteers. levy increase, there is little debate that the volunteer problem is very real. Win or lose at the polls, it’s a problem that will continue to challenge the district and define how fire services are delivered in Central Whidbey.
Operating debt free According to Central Whidbey Fire Commissioner Paul Messner, one of Central Whidbey’s strengths is that it is debt-free. Instead of using bonds to pay for capital purchases, which incur greater expense over the long term
with interest payments, the board has used money from its existing levy. That was the case last year when the board approved the 2012 budget, which included the purchase of a fire engine. “If you bought it with a bond, it would cost twice as much,” Messner said. While many might consider that wise spending, the policy isn’t without critics. Coupeville resident John Kohlmann said it takes away voters’ ability to weigh in on capital purchases, which are often put before the people with a bond or levy.
“I’d like to know what I’m voting for,” Kohlmann said. Also, if the district has enough money for new fire engines, he questions why it can’t also drum up enough for more volunteers. Central Whidbey Fire Chief Ed Hartin said there is no fluff in the budget. In fact, without the levy increase, the department faces an estimated shortfall next year of $190,000. The district would have to cut all 10 of its part-time firefighters along SEE FIRE, A4
Whidbey fire districts, side by side 2012 Central Whidbey
North Whidbey
South Whidbey
● Residents in district: 10,000 ● Volunteers: 19 ● Paid personnel: 10 part-time, 9 fulltime ● Calls: 959 ● Assessed valuation: $1.6 billion ● Levy rate: $1 per $1,000 ● Amount collected: $1.6 million
● Residents in district: 17,000 ● Volunteers: 56 ● Paid personnel: 25 part-time, 4 fulltime ● Calls: 1,645 ● Assessed valuation: $1.9 billion ● Levy rate: 73 cents per $1,000 ● Amount collected: $1.4 million
● Residents in district: 15,000 ● Volunteers: 74 including ● Paid personnel: 2 part-time, 7 fulltime ● Calls: 1,950 ● Assessed valuation: $3.7 billion ● Levy rate: 61 cents per $1,000 ● Amount collected: $2.2 million
Gem Show comes Feb. 11-12. A11
Republicans pick their favorites for president By JESSIE STENSLAND Staff reporter
Republicans in Island County will get their chance next month to help choose the party’s nominee for president. The Republican precinct caucuses will be held in the state on Saturday, March 3, just three days before Super Tuesday. In Island County, they will be pooled at locations in Oak Harbor, Langley and Camano Island. Attendance is expected to be substantial. “It really is a fascinating process because it’s so grassroots,” said Brett Wilhelm, the chairman of the Island County Republican Party. “It’s truly a bottom-up arrangement.” Some political analysts have predicted that the caucus in Washington could be especially significant for the candidates in building momentum toward Super Tuesday, which is when 10 states hold nominating contests. In addition, Wilhelm speculates that delegates from the state could have an important role if the nominee is ultimately picked at a “brokered convention.” That would occur if none of the candidates came to the national convention with enough delegates to secure the nomination. A “grand compromise candidate,” possibly someone completely new in the race, would be chosen by the delegates; those from Washington could be very influential, Wilhelm said. Wilhelm said he’s not sure how many people to expect to take part in the caucuses in Island County, but he suspects it will be a crowded, noisy but civil affair. He said taking part in SEE CAUCUS, A2