The group responsible for fire coverage in rural parts of Koochiching County is getting approval to expand its taxing authority.
Koochiching County’s Board of Commissioners is allowing the Rural Fire Protection Association to include about 200 properties on the Minnesota side of Rainy Lake.
The Association’s Office Manager Dana Hartje says they plan to purchase a fire boat to service them.
“We’re not going immediately start taking of those funds from the island owners. We’re not going to be assessing any fee until we actually have a boat in place,” says Hartje.
Harje says it could be 2020 before that happens given the time required by the manufacture to build.
The Association surveyed property owners and found 72 per cent of those who responded support its desire to expand their service.
Some property owners oppose the idea.
They question the ability to respond to fire in a timely manner.
The County’s decision could be overturned.
Island property owners do have the option to request a referendum on the issue if certain requirements are met.
