Parma Rural Fire Protection District voters will decide a temporary property tax levy on November 3, 2026. The measure could raise $1 million annually in 2027 and 2028, or $2 million over two years. The estimated cost is $91.06 per year for each $100,000 in taxable assessed property value.
Parma Fire District Staffing Proposal
The district typically has four people on duty each day: one paramedic and three firefighter EMTs. Most calls involve medical emergencies. The proposed funding could increase the daily crew to five employees, with three assigned to an engine and two to an ambulance.
Three employees have left the department since May. Fire Chief Joe Rodgers said the district is seeking funding to remain competitive in hiring and retention.
Equipment and Station Improvements
The levy would also pay for improvements to the fire station and eventual replacement of aging fire trucks. One district truck dates to 1996.
Parma-area residents have expressed mixed views about the proposal. Some support additional funding because of the department’s response times and medical care. Others have questioned the added property-tax cost and raised the possibility of shared emergency medical services involving Parma and Canyon County.
Rodgers said, “The community needs us, and we need people to stay because if everybody left, there wouldn’t be anybody here for the community.”
The levy requires a simple majority to pass in the November 3 general election.