The newly-formed Josephine County Rural Fire Protection District has officially entered into a service agreement with Rural Metro Fire Department to provide continued all-hazard fire protection services within the district boundary.
The strategic agreement ensures that all-hazard fire protection services will remain consistent and uninterrupted for the district, despite the absence of a tax base.
Until such time that voters within the district choose to establish a tax-funded model, fire protection will continue to be provided on a subscription basis by Rural Metro -- just as it has been for many years.
Mark Jones, President of the Fire District Board, said this agreement allows them to maintain the current level of fire and emergency services without placing an additional financial burden on taxpayers. He said residents will notice no change in service and should continue to subscribe with Rural Metro as they have in the past.
The Josephine County Rural Fire Protection District Board of Directors will focus on establishing a strong foundation for the district. This includes working to develop an administrative office, implementing interim staffing solutions and building the internal infrastructure needed to support the district's future growth.
Jones said the partnership with Rural Metro represents a practical solution for sustaining vital public safety services while offering the community flexibility and autonomy in determining the district's long-term funding and development path.
