The city of Battle Ground is asking residents for input as it contemplates its future of fire protection, potentially putting a vote to the people for annexation into the department it currently contracts with.
Residents received survey letters in their mail last week and have until April 26 to voice their opinion. The question posed is on whether or not Battle Ground should formally annex into Clark County Fire District 3, of which it has a contract that expires at the end of 2021.
Annexation would mean Battle Ground residents would pay property taxes directly to FD3, whereas, currently, the city has a contract with them.
According to the city, the current contract with FD3 is for $1.35 per $1,000 of assessed value on properties, whereas the city’s levy — what taxpayers pay — is $1.37 per $1,000.
Should the city be annexed into the district, residents would have to pay the levy rate FD3 puts on properties, which is roughly the same $1.35 per $1,000 rate of the contract.