Issue 4 is a fire protection levy that, if passed, will increase Macedonia Fire Department staffing from four to five firefighters per shift. Since 1999, the force has seen an increase in call volume year after year, but has not increased staffing levels.
Do residents want their taxes to increase? I'm sure everyone would respond with a resounding "No." I understand that if the levy fails, potential cutbacks could cause Macedonia to lose its excellent insurance rating. What does this mean? It's my understanding that since homeowners' insurance premiums are partly calculated on that rating, there is a chance homeowner's insurance in Macedonia could increase, thus costing residents anyway if the levy fails.
If Issue 4 does not pass, our community runs the risk of delayed response times. Hopefully, nobody will ever need the fire or medical services of the Macedonia Fire Department. But, what about those who do? What if they had to wait for additional staff to respond because the shift was on another call somewhere else in the city?
For those who believe that a few extra minutes don't make a difference, simply ask the parents of a 2-year-old turning blue as he or she chokes on a piece of food. Or, ask the wife of a 45-year-old father of three who is having a heart attack.
By not supporting Issue 4, what are residents willing to risk?
I would urge Macedonia residents to vote "For" Issue 4 on Aug. 5 and support the firefighters/EMS that support this community every day.
Denise Bell
Macedonia