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Chronological Thread  
  • From: "Jorene Downs" <Jorene@CEOates.com>
  • To: "SAR-L" <SAR-L@ml.islandnet.com>, "MSAR-L" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: [MSAR] County will vote for Search, Rescue levy
  • Date: Wed, 12 Mar 2008 05:39:06 -0700

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.








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