The City of Selah will be holding a public forum on Wednesday October 22rd and Thursday November 6th at 6:30pm, at Selah Civic Center, to discuss the need to raise utility taxes by 8.5% to cover essential fire and police services. Citizens are invited to come obtain information and discuss their possible concerns. The higher taxes would be used to update and replace emergency vehicles, personnel equipment, and provide updated safety features.
Selah has recently projected the cost of replacing both Fire and Police vehicles on a rotating schedule and cannot do so without more funding. The fire district is willing to contribute more money to the City and hopes the city will consider increasing its contribution beyond 40%.
Of the 23 vehicles operated by Fire District 2, 16 are non-compliant, and seven are over 30 years old. Several of these vehicles do not have airbags or antilock brakes. Much of the personal fire clothing and equipment also needs replacing.
These funds will help pay for two police positions which have been added in the last two years, namely the deputy chief and community service specialist.
These two public meetings will be held as an opportunity for citizens to make comments before the final budget is approved by the Selah City Council on November 25th.