NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Tom Fay, Deschutes County Rural Fire Protection District #2 (541) 318-0459

Bend, OR-The passage of measure 47/50 had some unintended consequences when an operation levy due to expire in 1997 was included in the tax computations used to determine permanent tax rates. As a result, forty taxing districts in Deschutes County will receive higher than expected property tax revenues. It is estimated that Deschutes County Rural Fire Protection District #2s (DCRFPD #2) portion of these revenues will be approximately $139,000.

At their regular meeting January 20, 1998, by a unanimous vote, DCRFPD #2 board of directors affirmed their desire is to return all funds as quickly as possible. The board has been informed by county officials, however, that a legal return of these funds is not possible at this time.

Since a method for immediate return is not available, the board voted that these funds and the interest they earn would be tracked separately. Once a legal solution has been reached, or the state legislature acts to correct the situation, the funds can be refunded by the district as soon as practical. In the interim period, the monies collected because this oversight will not be appropriated or spent.

If no immediate solution is available, the board of directors of DCRFPD#2 would support a method that gives credit for the overpayment on future taxes.

Opinions on this subject may be directed to Tom Fay, Administrative Manager at (541) 318-0459, or at any regular DCRFPD #2 board meeting.

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