NORTHWEST ARKANSAS — Voters living near the Round Mountain, Wheeler and Wedington fire departments will go to the polls today to vote on a measure placing membership dues onto Washington County property tax bills.
The Quorum Court in March approved the three elections after hearing requests from fire chiefs and board members who want a new method for collecting unpaid dues.
Property owners are not required to be members of their local fire departments, but membership revenue is a major source of money for the rural fire departments. Rural fire departments also receive subsidies from Washington County tax revenue and from the state. The revenue from the state and county is distributed by the Washington County Rural Fire Association.
Polls are open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. for eligible voters. Voters unsure if they are eligible should call the Washington County Clerk’s Office at 444-1711.
Polling locations:
- Round Mountain Fire District: Baldwin Church of Christ, 4377 East Huntsville Road
- Wedington Fire District: Wedington Fire Station, 13496 W. Highway 16
- Wheeler Fire District: Wheeler Fire Station, 6946 West Wheeler Road