By Emily Hoard • Staff Writer • 

Yamhill fire district weighing options

"We all felt that we had put forth a well thought out and affordable number for replacing the equipment and repairing the buildings," said board chair Jim Phillips. "We hope to put more effort into where we fell short in advertising and hit the ground running when we go out for the second time."

The district submitted a 10-year, $1.95 million levy in the May primary. It would have cost property owners 55 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

The levy would have been used to replace two fire engines, a rescue rig, a set of breathing units; replace a fire station furnace and roof; install an exhaust ventilation system; and upgrade a communications system. But voters rejected it by a count of 511 to 430 in final but unofficial returns.

Fire Chief Brian Jensen said the board is in the process of gathering community input. He said it in interested in figuring out why the levy didn't pass and how to gain enough support next time.

"The board is going to make a decision at its June 9 meeting," he said. "We'll know more then, if they're going to resubmit the same levy."

Phillips said board members are eying dates in late 2015 or early 2016 for another attempt.

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