Leasburg Fire Seeking To Be Established As District

A petition has been filed with the Crawford County Circuit Court that would establish the Leasburg Community Fire Protection District, along with a tax levy and a board of directors, if approved by voters.

The fire department there currently operates as the Leasburg Volunteer Fire Department, but upon voter approval, would become an incorporated district.

“The proposed district will succeed the volunteer fire department and will serve all inhabitants of the district as opposed to ‘members of the association’ thereby increasing fairness, rates and costs to all properties within the district including residential, commercial and agricultural properties,” the petition reads.

According to the petition, there are approximately 750 inhabitants within the boundaries of the proposed district. 

The estimated value of tangible property, both real and personal, is $30 million.

If approved, the district would take over the existing facilities and equipment of the current fire department.

“It is further anticipated that upon formation the district will replace existing equipment and add additional new equipment as may be required,” the petition reads.

The anticipated short term cost of improvements is estimated at $100,000, while the long term costs range from $200,000 — six months after formation — to $500,000 — five years after formation.

The proposed improvements would be funded through a voter approved levy of property taxes in an amount not to exceed 12 cents per $100 of assessed value.

Voters would also select three directors.

The candidates listed on the petition are Daryl McKisson, Jerry Conway and Donald Fife.

The person receiving the most votes will serve a six-year term. The person receiving the second most votes will serve a four-year term and the person receiving the third most votes a two-year term.

The petition says that if voters do not approve such a levy, “the district will lack any revenue source and as such would not be able to meet its financial obligations of basic operation.”