LETTER: Setting the record straight about fire rates

Othello is in the middle of elections, and its contract with Adams County Fire District No. 5 has become an issue. Unfortunately, some of the campaign responses being shared have caused confusion. 

Here are the facts: the contract requires the city to pay the same rate as fire district property owners. This was an increase compared to past rates, and the city decided to cancel the contract. 

The fire district must maintain this rate for public safety. Costs for service have risen significantly due to inflation, and call volumes in the city have increased by 43.5% over the past four years. It would not be fair for district property taxpayers to subsidize emergency services for the city. 

As the city begins establishing its own fire department, we remain committed to working together for the best outcome. Many of our employees live in the city, and we all recognize that we are one community. In the meantime, we invite fire district property owners to contact us directly with any questions or concerns. 

Peter Anderson, Commissioner 

Adams County Fire District No. 5 

Editor’s Note: Commissioner Anderson is correct in his assessment of the finances of the situation at hand. The Columbia Basin Herald reached out to the city and costs for service are set based on assessed valuation within city limits. With rising property values, that would have raised the cost for the city from about $465,000 to $750,000. With the rise in costs to provide firefighting services, that is on par with the added expenses of the last few years for the department.