Goshen Wants Fire Dues On Tax Bills

By Dan Craft

Posted: November 8, 2009 at 1:38 a.m.

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SPRINGDALE — A second rural fire department in Washington County wants annual membership dues placed on property tax bills.

The Goshen Volunteer Fire Department hopes to follow in the footsteps of Nob Hill volunteers, their neighbors to the north who made the move just over a year ago. Dues collection in Nob Hill’s area has spiked since then.

“Right now, we collect dues from about 60 percent of our service area residents,” said Nathan Wood, Goshen fire chief. “We’ve seen how well it worked for Nob Hill, and we’d like to do something very similar.”

A special election Feb. 10 will determine whether the department can use the tax bill method. Anyone living within the department’s service area is eligible to vote in the election.

“Our election went very smoothly,” said Ken Messer, Nob Hill chief. “I got a few calls when the tax bills went out, and one guy even called me a communist, but it’s been good for us.”

Nob Hill’s collection rate increased to nearly 75 percent, up from about 50 percent, Messer said. The extra money allows him to replace protective gear, fuel and repair trucks and set aside money for future fleet upgrades, he said.

Wood has similar plans, assuming voters approve the tax bill route.

“Our calls have doubled in probably just the last five years. We’re over 300 already this year, and will probably reach 400 by the end of it,” Wood said. “We’re in need of some upgrades.”

The department is asking for a $65 charge on tax bills, equal to the current yearly membership fee.

The Washington County Rural Fire Association hasn’t taken a stance on the idea of placing dues on tax bills, said Chris Coker, association president.

“It’s come up before, but it’s a decision we like to leave up to each individual department,” Coker said.

Rural fire departments will respond to any fire in their service area. Those who aren’t department members can be billed for the cost of fighting a fire on their property, while members aren’t charged.

Messer hopes Goshen’s election will be as successful as Nob Hill’s was.

“Everything’s up. The cost of vehicles, insurance, propane, it’s all getting more expensive,” Messer said. “Any additional money they can collect will really help them out.”

Several Benton County rural fire departments also place dues on property tax bills.

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