Recent news articles have discussed a proposal for the Deschutes County Rural Fire Protection District #2 (DCRFPD #2) to annex the area currently within the boundaries of the city of Bend.   

The idea for this concept was brought about by the completion of the deployment plan by Bend Fire & Rescue.  The deployment plan is an assessment process allowed through the guidelines established by the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association).  When a local community is not able to meet the guidelines established by NFPA it is possible to relieve liability by establishing new standards agreed to by governing bodies.  The assessment in the deployment plan determines current conditions and assesses what would be necessary to continue service at current levels.  To review this deployment click here:  Bend Fire & Rescue Deployment Plan 2009

The plan reveals a reduction in the department’s ability over the last decade to provide emergency services safely to the residents of the district and the city.  This reduction is a result of expenses exceeding the maximum 3% legal increase of revenues through property taxes.  This trend is projected to continue, particularly within the city of Bend, which has an especially low tax rate.  The department has unfilled positions that have resulted in the decline of the number of firefighters per 1,000 residents served.  When compared with other cities across the nation and in Oregon, the Bend Fire Department is toward the bottom in many categories of measurement.  These measurements are outlined in the deployment plan.    

A presentation was made to City Council giving three options for the department.  One was to live within the projected budget numbers and make further cuts as necessary.  This option would almost certainly result in lower services levels in areas such as longer response time and periods when resources would not be available for calls.  The other two options would increase resources through a five year levy or through annexation of the city by the DCRFPD #2.  The council chose to explore the annexation option further. 

DCRFPD #2 residents should be aware that this option is only in the early stages and there will be much more discussion on the issue before it goes to a vote. If, after public discussion, the question is put on a ballot it will be voted on by the district residents as well as the city residents.

If the annexation option is pursued and successful it will result in no change of service for district residents.  The same crews would respond from the same stations with the same apparatus.  The permanent tax rate of $1.4366 for district residents is set by state law and cannot be increased.  A separate levy voted on by district residents is the only way to increase taxes and that option is not currently under discussion.

As this process moves forward we encourage you to get your questions answered.  You can call me at 541-318-0459 for more information or to make comments. 

Thank you,
Tom Fay
DCRFPD #2 Manager

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