A landslide victory for three volunteer Fire departments in Washington County. Voters in Round Mountain, Wedington, and Wheeler approved a ballot measure to pay an annual due to help pay operating costs.
Unofficial Results:
Round Mountain
87% For
13% Against
Wedington
87% For
13% Against
Wheeler
81% For
19% Against
The due will collected by the Washington County Tax collector and will be due with property taxes. Residents can opt out to pay by going to the courthouse.
Jeremy Oxford, assistant fire chief in Wheeler, said they will use the money to purchase and upgrade equipment as well as firefighter training. Oxford says the department should see the money in 2013.
The fee for Wheeler residents cannot exceed $40, according to the ballot. The dues for Round Mountain Volunteer Fire Department are $60 and those for Wedington Volunteer Fire Department are $65.