Mounted search and rescue

["Jorene Downs" <Jorene@CEOates.com>]

http://www.greatfallstribune.com:80/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080312/NEWS01/803120312/1002

County voters will decide fate of Search, Rescue levy
By RICHARD ECKE
Tribune Staff Writer

     Cascade County voters will decide June 3 whether local Search and 
Rescue operations will receive a special tax levy worth about $36,000 
annually.

     Cascade County commissioners endorsed placing the group's request on 
the ballot during the state's June presidential primary. The vote was 3-0.


     "You've been supplying exemplary service for many years," Commissioner 
Joe Briggs said. "I know you guys take a lot of money out of your pocket 
(for Search and Rescue)."

     The owner of a $100,000 house in the county would pay an extra 90 
cents each year — about one penny every four days — to help the nonprofit 
group perform emergency rescues and other services.
     An owner of a $200,000 Cascade County house, as valued by state 
appraisers, would pay $1.80 per year.

     Commissioner Peggy Beltrone predicted county voters will support the 
plan.

     "You'll have to sell this to the public, but I think it'll be an easy 
sell," Beltrone said. She suggested "times are changing," and it's more 
difficult to find volunteers to hold fundraisers to keep organizations 
going.

     Commission Chairman Lance Olson said a 90-cent cost per year would be 
a small price to pay.

     "It will ensure the continued operation of Search and Rescue in 
Cascade County," said Mike McCloskey, commander of the Cascade County 
Mountain Patrol Search and Rescue. McCloskey said the group wanted to be 
frugal in its request, but it also needs to replace antiquated equipment.

     He said the group decided to ask for about $36,000 per year to support 
a 10-year equipment acquisition plan. The special tax levy also would help 
pay for training and operating costs.

     Treasurer Jess Anderson saluted the levy idea, saying if the group's 
aging equipment were not replaced, its condition could put the safety of 
Search and Rescue volunteers at risk.

     Search and Rescue responds to calls of lost people, drownings, 
children who have run away and people who must flee from forest fires.

     Earlier, McCloskey said the group currently has a snow cat built in 
1964 and a boat running on its second engine. The first engine was ruined 
during a rescue operation.