Cherokee County commissioners have drafted a proposal establishing three additional fire districts in the county in attempt to ensure sufficient funds are being paid for fire protection services.
The commissioners first read the resolution during their weekly meeting Monday, which would create three fire districts in the townships of Lowell, Shawnee and Spring Valley. The proposal calls for implementing a uniform 2.5-mill levy on property taxes in those three townships to be designated for fire protection.
Cory Moates, who serves as commission chairman and assistant fire chief at Baxter Springs, said a majority of the townships within the county are already paying at least 2.5 mills for fire protection. The resolution will grant the county permission to impose a 2.5-mill increase based on the township’s current mill levy for fire services.
“The goal is to have each township paying 2.5 mills for fire protection,” said Rodney D. Edmondson, county clerk. “So, as an example, if Township A currently levied 2 mills for fire protection, the citizens would only see an increase in taxes for an additional 0.5 mills.”
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