ONE TIME INCREASE TO THE TAX LEVY
The Eagle River Fire Department is scheduled to receive a new Pierce ladder truck in January 2026.
This truck will replace the existing ladder truck, which is 41 years old, and an engine that is 22 years old. The new truck is expected to have a lifespan of 30 years. Current manufacturers are producing ladder trucks that are shorter and more maneuverable. The new truck features a single rear axle and is significantly shorter than the current ladder truck. This design will allow for better access to more locations and can still function as a pumper. The cost of the new truck is 1.4 million dollars.
The cost will be distributed between the ERFD, City of Eagle River, and Towns of Cloverland, Lincoln, and Washington. The ERFD contribution is $830,000. The municipal costs are based on valuation percentage in 2024. The Town of Washington is responsible for $201,267. To fund this expense, the Town of Washington will present and approve a resolution to increase the tax levy for 2025 for the purchase of the fire truck due in January 2026. The approved resolution and anticipated approval by town electors will occur at the November 2025 Special Elector meeting. This will be a one-time increase for the 2025 tax levy only.
It is estimated that based on the 2024 tax levy and adding an additional levy amount of $201,267 for the fire truck purchase, there will be an estimated $22 increase per $100,000 home value. In other words, the town mill rate of $1.14 would increase to an estimated mill rate of $1.36 for the 2025 tax levy, payable in 2026.