Editorial

Vote "Yes" on 911 levy

The operations levy for 911 might be considered more an insurance policy than a tax.

The 911 service district needs the four-year levy to maintain service at current levels.

The Sisters area knows well how vital those services can be. During last summer's Cache Mountain fire, 911 was used to make reverse phone calls alerting residents of an evacuation order at Black Butte Ranch.

Those calls were made swiftly and efficiently and contributed to getting hundreds of residents and visitors off the ranch without injuries.

Dispatchers themselves often provide information that can make the difference between life and death.

The funds will also be used to integrate information systems among the variousDeschutes County public safety agencies.

Quick, clear communications between agencies is increasingly vital as the volume of information grows along with the county.

The cost of the levy is a small investment -- at 9 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, it adds up to $18 a year for a $200,000 home.

That's a small price to pay to ensure that someone is ready to handle that call when you dial 911.

Every vote counts in this election, since the double majority rule applies. That means the measure could win at the polls and still fail due to lack of turnout.

Election Day is Tuesday, March 11. Ballots may be mailed or dropped off at Sisters City Hall, 150 N. Fir Street.

Jim Cornelius, Editor