FIRE DISTRICT PLANS UPGRADES WITH TAXES

WHITEWATER -- Only 125 of the eligible 550 voters went to the polls in Whitewater Tuesday to vote on formation of the Whitewater Fire Protection District. But it was more than enough to provide an overwhelming 84-to-41 win.

"We're very pleased with the results, even though the turnout was light because it was a special election," said Joyce Horky, a member of the district's board of directors. "A lot of hard work went into this; we've worked a lot of months on the election."

In addition to electing a five-member board of directors, voters also approved a 30-cent tax levy that will bring in about $16,388 each year to finance operation of the fire district and allow it to upgrade its aged fleet of firefighting equipment. The district will receive its first tax check from the county in January.

Horky said: "The creation of a tax-supported fire district is a big step forward for us. For the first time we now have solid figures on which to base our annual budget. Our first priority will be to start upgrading our firefighting equipment. We'll have to decide on whether we want to purchase a pumper or a tanker truck. I wish we could get both of them at once."

Horky said the board will meet on the first Monday of each month at the Whitewater fire station. She invited the public to attend the meetings to offer comments, suggestions, or input.

The Whitewater Fire Department is the last of the rural fire departments in Cape Girardeau County to switch to a tax-supported fire district.