The Key Peninsula Fire Department Board of Commissioners are expected to vote Tuesday on a resolution to place a four-year levy on the November ballot to fund eight full-time firefighter positions.
The public meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Key Center fire station, 8911 Key Peninsula Highway N., Lakebay.
The levy is proposed to help the fire department improve its response times and ensure enough firefighters are available for emergencies. Currently, the Fire Department relies on volunteers and mutual aid, which can add 20 minutes or more to response times.
Three fires in April and May highlighted the challenges facing the fire department to provide an adequate emergency response. While no lives were lost in the fires, a firefighter was hospitalized for heat exhaustion and dehydration, and two family pets died.
“Our first concern is public safety,” Fire Chief Tom Lique said. “This levy would fund eight full-time firefighter positions, and help us improve our emergency response for our community.”
Staff report