Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue seeks approval for levy to improve emergency response

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Next month, voters will decide whether to replace a Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue local option levy which will aid in the area's emergency response service times.

According to TVF&R, the push for this replacement measure comes from a reported 23% increase in the frequency of emergency incidents in their service area in the last five years. They attribute this to population growth in the community, in turn requiring more firefighters and paramedics to maintain reliable emergency response.

As a result, Measure 34-332 proposes a levy with a rate of "69 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation." For example, for a property worth $305,000 - the average property value in the area - TVF&R estimates the cost of the local option levy would be about $210 per year or $17.54 a month.

The existing levy, which was passed in 2019 and expires in June 2025, was also meant to ensure quality emergency response by retaining 92 firefighters, paramedics and staff hired since 2000, while also aiding in purchasing land and specialized equipment for crews.

While the current proposed levy retains current resources, it goes a step further with intent to add 36 more emergency responders and training personnel.

TVF&R says if Measure 34-332 does not pass, they would lose funding to pay for at least 92 of 450 TVF&R firefighters and paramedics, meaning layoffs, which would further impact response times.

The measure is currently on the ballot for the election on May 21.