Why I’m voting yes for the Williams Fire District levy
Written by:
Heather Glass
As someone who has lived and worked in Williams for many years, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know this community and the people who make it a special place. Every day at the Williams General Store, I see neighbors helping neighbors, visitors discovering our valley, and the strong sense of community that makes Williams unlike anywhere else.
I’ve also seen that, when emergencies happen, we depend on each other—and on our local fire district.
Over the years, I’ve had to call the fire department several times for emergencies at or around the store—for a suspected overdose, a stroke, a severe allergic reaction to a bee sting, someone who passed out in their car, and vehicle crashes involving the store and nearby property. In those moments, getting help quickly was imperative.
Whether it’s a wildfire, medical emergency, vehicle crash, or structure fire, having trained firefighters already here in Williams matters. When an emergency happens, minutes matter.
Over the past several years, I’ve also been impressed by how the Williams Rural Fire Protection District has managed its finances, working hard to make the most of every dollar provided by taxpayers and aggressively pursuing grants for staffing, training, equipment, and wildfire preparedness. The Williams District also partnered with Applegate Fire District to share resources and administrative services, saving Williams about $100,000 each year.
I appreciate how the District handled the tax levy decision. Before the board unanimously voted to place the levy on the ballot, they held months of public meetings that gave residents opportunities to ask questions, voice concerns, and better understand the financial challenges. That transparency matters.
The grants that helped improve service were never intended to fund operations forever. As they come to an end, we must decide whether to maintain the level of emergency service we've worked so hard to build.
The District has been clear about the consequences of a failed levy. More than half of its operating budget would disappear, making 24-hour staffing financially impossible. Emergency response would rely primarily on volunteers and aid from neighboring departments.
A strong Williams Fire District also strengthens emergency response throughout the Applegate watershed, where neighboring communities depend on one another through mutual aid and shared resources.
Williams has always valued its independence and its ability to solve problems close to home.
Supporting our fire district is an investment in our community and keeps emergency services based here, where a local board elected by Williams voters makes decisions.
No one enjoys paying more in taxes, and every voter should ask tough questions. I believe those questions have been answered through responsible financial management, successful grant funding, cost-saving partnerships, and an open public process.
For me, this vote comes down to personal experience. When someone at my store needed emergency help, the Williams Fire District responded. I want that same help to be here for my family, my customers, my neighbors, and everyone who lives in Williams.
This November, I’ll be voting yes on the Williams Fire District levy because I believe in investing in Williams, protecting Williams, and keeping decisions about Williams in Williams.
Heather Glass