To the editor:
I’ve proudly served with Central Coast Fire & Rescue since 2019 first as a volunteer and now as staff. I’ve lived in this community since 1992 and use my background in construction and repair to serve COCF&R with pride.
Since joining COCF&R I’ve saved the district over $1.2 million in capital project costs — and that doesn’t include ongoing apparatus and building repairs I’ve done using my own tools, which if they were purchased today would exceed $10,000.
Just a few highlights:
Fire engine overhaul: Extended its life, saving $40,000; Tidewater Station remodel: Saved $625,000 by doing the work in-house. Watch the transformation here; 5 Rivers Station off-grid power: The proposed external cost was $525,000. My in-house system: $10,000; Main station bay doors: Replacing them in-house is saving $7,000 per door, totaling $28,000; and truck engine repair that houses our SCBA air compressor: Saved $3,000 by doing the work myself.
What’s at stake?
Due to budget shortfalls, I’ve received a 60-day layoff notice. My job is on the line if the levy doesn’t pass. That’s not just one job but $240,000 in yearly savings gone.
What does the levy cost you? Using my own home in downtown Waldport as an example. Its assessed value is $157,000 and an increase in the levy would cost me about $95 a year or $8 a month.
Without the levy, the district’s insurance rating could drop, raising homeowner’s insurance by $720 a year or year or more. That’s $95 vs. $720 and simple math says shows the better choice. If you’re a renter, that means your rent could possibly increase $60 to $100 per month.
If passed, I will continue saving this community money, improving infrastructure, and responding to major emergencies as both staff and volunteer.
Please vote yes on the Central Coast Fire & Rescue levy to protect not just my job, but the smart, sustainable progress we’ve made. We can do this south Lincoln County. Together.
— Erich Knudson/Waldport
Thank you Erich Knudsen and everyone who is part of COCF&R for all that you do. As a resident of the City of Waldport, I support you and this levy 100%. I definitely want the district fully staffed if I ever need a response for fire or medical. My peace of mind is worth the small extra amount this levy will cost me. I would rather pay this small increase locally than have my home insurance go up because of a change in our Fire District’s ISO rating classification.