VENETA, Ore. — Lane Fire Authority is inviting residents to a public meeting on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Station 101 (88050 Territorial Road, Veneta). The Board of Directors will discuss placing a local option levy renewal and increase on the November ballot to help fund emergency services.
According to Lane Fire Authority, it provides fire suppression, emergency medical, and life safety services to a growing population in western Lane County. Emergency medical services (EMS) now accounts for 80% of all calls. Since voters last approved funding in 2021, emergency calls have gone up by more than 19%.
At the same time, the agency says, the cost of providing emergency services has risen sharply. Since 2021, Lane Fire Authority has seen significant increases in expenses for staffing, equipment, and medical supplies. Overtime costs for personnel are up 72%, while repair and maintenance of fire and EMS equipment have jumped 79%. To meet urgent needs, the district drew from its savings to purchase two ambulances…