Island Lake fire merger passing

Initial results of Tuesday's special election show voters approving the merger of Mason County Fire Protection District 11 based at Island Lake with Central Mason Fire & EMS based in downtown Shelton. The proposal to renew of a property tax levy for Mason County Fire Protection District 3 in Grapeview is also passing.

The merger was passing with 283 "yes" votes for 65.66%, with 148 "no" votes for 34.34%. Grapeview's renewal levy had 573 "yes" votes for 73.56%, and 206 "no" votes for 26.44%.

Both needed a majority of 50% plus one vote. Voter turnout on the initial count was 35%.

The results of the second ballot count were scheduled to be released at 4 p.m. Wednesday, after the Journal had gone to press. The updated numbers are available at the Mason

County Auditor's Office website under "elections."

If passed, the merger between Mason County Fire District 11 into Mason County Fire District 5 becomes effective June 1.

"We are very pleased with the preliminary results and voter support," Mason County Fire 11 Chief Brandon Searles wrote in an email to the Journal on Wednesday morning. "We are anxiously waiting to see the final count. This merger will be a huge benefit for our citizens!"

"We at CMFE are happy with the solid voter support for the merger," Central Mason Chief Jeff Snyder wrote in an email to the Journal on Wednesday morning. "We are anxiously waiting to see the end results. This election, like many others, is a reminder that voter participation is vital."

In a flyer to district residents, Island Lake Fire stated it proposed the merger because the district is experiencing inconsistent staffing of volunteer firefighters, increasing costs for supplies and equipment, and insufficient funding. If it passes, the levy rate will increase by 36 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value to bring District 11 rates up to the same as those in District 5.

For residents of Grapeview Fire District, passage means a property tax renewal of 45 cents or less of $1,000 assessed property value for six years, with the collection beginning in 2024.

"We're very pleased," Chief P.L. Graeber said Wednesday morning in an interview with the Journal. She added, "We don't have to worry about rearranging services. We're happy."

District 3 covers 11 square miles that include the unincorporated township of Grapeview and Stretch and Treasure islands. The district was established in 1949. Service is provided by two stations, one on the corner of Grapeview Loop and Stretch Island roads, the other at the intersection of state Route 3 and Krabbenhoft Road.