Discussions continued at July’s Falcon Fire Protection District board meeting about attempting a mill levy increase in the November election. With all members present, the issue was high on the list of topics.Mill levy increaseFFPD Chief Trent Harwig reiterated that if the board voted to ask for a mill levy increase, the FFPD needed to notify the county of their intent to be on the ballot by July 22. Stating their intent does not commit the FFPD to a spot on the ballot; however, it does allow the county to estimate the cost to reserve the spot, Harwig said. The FFPD would need to pay the cost by Aug. 23 to be on the ballot.The board decided to send notification of intent to the county. “All that does is reserve our spot,” Harwig said. “Then the board will make the final decision whether or not to act on that at the Aug. 17 board meeting.”Town hall meetingThe FFPD held its second town hall meeting July 13 to gain insight from the community on budget issues. “It was a great talk; we just didn’t have the attendance we wanted,” said Mike Collins, president of the board. The board’s purpose for the meeting was to educate residents about the FFPD budget issues and get their input on a course of action comfortable for the community. Ultimately, the best options involved cutting expenditures through a reduction of employees or equipment; or adding revenue through a mill levy modification.Director’s stipendBecause of budget concerns, the board passed a motion to forego compensation for the July 13 town hall meeting. Board directors are entitled to a stipend of $100 per person for regularly scheduled meetings, up to a maximum of $1,600 per year. “What the board decided at that point was that they would only take the stipend for regularly scheduled meetings, not town hall or extra meetings,” Harwig said. “Since there are three or more board directors present at each town hall or special meeting, the board has to post it as a meeting.” The board will vote each month to determine if compensation will be allowed for future extra or emergency meetings.
