Beckley official urges support for fire levy on May 10 ballot

April 27--Kevin Price, Raleigh County fire levy coordinator, is urging the community to vote May 10 in support the levy, which will generate $3.5 million per year in revenue for 14 fire departments throughout the county.

The levy was first passed with just over 63 percent support in 2012 at a rate of $4 million per year. The current levy cycle, which ends in June 2017, has saved many struggling volunteer departments and allowed others to purchase much-needed equipment.

"Without the levy, there is no doubt in my mind that many departments will close," Price said Tuesday to members of Beckley Common Council.

He said volunteer fire departments' main source of income is state funding, which is roughly $40,000 per year. Some of them supplement that income with bake sales, hot dog sales and bingo nights.

"Let's pick one: Beaver, which covers a large chunk of the county. Just to pay workers comp and insurance, mandated by the state, it's over $50,000," Price said. "If they don't get the levy, they don't get enough money from the state. Someone is going to have to do a lot of baking or hot dog selling just to turn the lights on."

Firefighting is expensive, he said. A low-end fire truck costs around $250,000, and to outfit one firefighter from head-to-toe costs $10,000.

Beckley Fire Chief Ed Wills said for a $150,000 home, the homeowner would pay roughly 20 cents per day to support the levy.

"When you look at what citizens are paying for this levy, it's a good investment in the community, for the safety of our families and our neighbors," Wills said. "I don't know where else you could make an investment so little and get so much in return."

Not only do fire departments respond to fires, Wills said, but also to rescues, HAZMAT situations and vehicle accidents.

The upcoming levy rate, which would run through 2021, is 21 percent less than the current levy rate. Real and personal property tax rate increases are as follows: Class I -- 3.53 cents per $1,000; Class II -- 7.06 cents; Class III and IV -- 14.12 cents.

The levy will be on the ballot May 10.

----Mayor Bill O'Brien recognized Beckley-Stratton Middle School's ILead students who collected 30 baskets of food and goods during the holiday season for families in need.

Beckley-Stratton is the only school in the state with this program, a three-year initiative that teaches students how to become leaders. The program is student-led and community service projects are selected by the sixth to eighth grade students who participate.

----Council approved the second reading of ordinance approving an intergovernmental agreement between Raleigh County Commission, City of Beckley and the Raleigh County Solid Waste Authority regarding the development of a tract of land to be used for the disposal of waste from the demolition of abandoned buildings.

Council also approved the first reading of two ordinances that would ban parking on certain sections of two city streets.

If the ordinances pass on second reading, parking will not be allowed on either side of the street on the 400 block of Gregory Street (between Hartley Avenue and Grafton Street), nor the pavement portion of Stanley Street from East "C" Street in a westerly direction to the end of Stanley Street.

----Under old business, city attorney Bill File reminded residents that it is illegal to place signs on power poles without written permission from the power company. He said it is a form of littering and violators can be prosecuted.

File also reminded candidates running for office to remove signs promptly after the May 10 election, within seven days. He said the city is taking this rule very seriously and they do not want to see signs lingering.

Also under old business, O'Brien thanked the Board of Public Works for their efforts during spring cleanup.

-- Email: wholdren@register-herald.com and follow on Twitter @WendyHoldren

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