HB 1811 would allow cities with fire departments that are not part of a fire district to impose fire benefit charges to help fund fire services. Like the authority already used by fire districts and regional fire authorities, the charges would be voter-approved for up to six years, limited to less than 60 percent of the fire department budget, and be based on the benefit to the buildings and property receiving fire services.

AWC plans to testify in support of this additional local option for fire services.

Date to remember

HB 1811 is set for public hearing in the House Local Government Committee on Tuesday, January 25 at 10 am.