VENETA, Ore. — The Lane Fire Authority is inviting residents to attend upcoming public information sessions about a proposed levy that could significantly affect firefighter staffing levels and emergency response times.
The measure, known as Measure 20-378, will appear on the May 19 ballot and aims to secure funding for essential fire district operations. Officials say the levy would help support daily services, add two firefighter positions, and fund critical infrastructure upgrades at Station 109.
Two public sessions have been scheduled to provide voters with more details and an opportunity to ask questions:
- April 30 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- May 2 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Both meetings will be held at the fire authority’s facility on Territorial Highway in Veneta and will also be available via livestream on social media platforms.
The fire district serves a wide 282-square-mile area, and officials emphasize that the levy is crucial to maintaining and improving emergency services across the region.
If the measure fails to pass, the district will continue operating under its current funding structure without the additional levy support. According to officials, this could lead to staffing cuts of up to eight firefighter positions, increased pressure on remaining personnel, and longer response times during emergencies.
The Board of Directors would then decide how to adjust services and operations based on limited financial resources.
Fire officials encourage community members to participate in the sessions to better understand how the proposed levy could impact public safety and emergency readiness in the area.
Residents seeking more details can visit the fire authority’s official website or contact the department directly.
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