Effect on Taxes:
The IGA does not raise taxes. The tax rates for SCFD and LFA remain separate and the same as they would have been without the IGA.
24/7 Engine Company:
The goal of the IGA is to establish a 24/7 engine company based out of LFA Station 115. The Engine will respond to calls in the Santa Clara area, as well as the North Battalion area of Lane Fire Authority.
Response Area Line:
The city limits are currently similar to a patchwork quilt in the Santa Clara area due to annexations of unincorporated county land by the City of Eugene. Once annexed, those properties receive fire protection service from Eugene Springfield Fire & EMS. As a result, one address might be served by the City of Eugene, and their neighbors might be in SCFD. After establishing a 24/7 engine company, LFA/SCFD will try to establish an agreement with Eugene-Springfield about which areas would receive an LFA/SCFD response, and which areas would receive a Eugene-Springfield response. This response area line would not be based on whether addresses are city or county, but which areas make geographical sense to be served by each agency.
Intermixing SCFD and LFA Volunteers:
Current SCFD volunteers would have the opportunity to work in Lane Fire Authority stations, and vice versa. This would allow volunteers to get a broader range of experiences working in different areas that respond to different types of calls.
Retention of Assets and Reserve Funds:
Both fire districts retain full ownership and control over their stations, apparatus, equipment, reserve funds, and other assets. They collect and levy taxes separately, maintain individual Boards, and have the authority to terminate the IGA if they decide to do so.