The recession is official, and how that will affect fire and emergency services funding in the upcoming year is a major concern. Cut backs, shortfalls, lay-offs, falling revenues, foreclosures, downturns and bail-outs are being bandied from national level down to the local town hall. Declines in tax revenues and capital gains continue to multiply because of the downturn in housing, business, investment and automotive markets. Workers are being laid off at unprecedented rates, and retailers are either going out of business or gearing up for a slower-than-usual holiday season.

With all this doom and gloom, is there any hope that that the voters are still supportive when it comes to funding fire services?

Yes, there is. Just take a look at some of the voters’ responses from the general elections in November.

In Mesa, Ariz., voters approved their first property tax since World War II. Two bonds, totaling almost $170 million, will pay for two new fire facilities, equipment and more. “In arguably the worst economy in 50 years, there has been a shift and citizens are willing and ready to invest in their community,” Mayor Scott Smith said after the election.

Voters approved a 20-year $1.6 million general obligation bond in Louisiana's Fire Protection District #5 by a hearty 67%. Funds raised will support improvement and construction of buildings, equipment and machinery; including both personal and real property.

Touting a 3-to-1 margin the voters of Eureka, Mo., agreed to extend a 15-cent tax levy that will allow officials to raise as much as $13 million. “Renewing the bond levy will help keep the fire district growing at a pace comparable with the area it serves,” said Eureka Public-Information Officer Scott Barthelmass.

New Mexico voters were equally generous. They passed a bond for $5 million in Santa Fe County with more than 70% supporter. The county will replace an existing station and build a $1.5 million fire training center.

Ohio voters went both ways. With the passage of a fire levy, Madison Township’s volunteer fire department looks forward to increasing staff hours, searching for more grants, increasing fire prevention programs and developing training procedures. Mason City voters, however, rejected a five-year $2 million proposed fire levy that was slated to improve firefighting standards and add a new station.

Oregon was a bit of a mix, as well, with more passing than not. Fire and emergency services passed included levies and bonds for Keizer, Amity, Gladstone, Lake Grove, Riverdale and Tualatin Valley. The varied funds will provide support as far out as 20 years, support new construction and upkeep, equipment replacement and general fire and medical services.

“We are very delighted by the support the community has shown us,” said Keizer Fire Chief Jeff Cowan after the vote.

On the other hand, Oregonians defeated initiatives in Aurora, Colton, Estacada and Molalla. They turned down five- and 10-year tax options and a general obligation bond authorization.

Not to be outdone, Texans were extremely supportive of bond issues on the November ballot. Over $9 million was designated in Arlington alone for firefighting facilities. Approximately $3 million will relocate a fire station and the other $5 million will remodel and repair four additional stations. The measure was overwhelmingly supported by over 70% of the voters.

Virginia Gov. Timothy Kaine has been busy working to reduce state spending by $279 million while voters offered fire services support. Loudoun County approved $8.6 million for a fire and rescue station with over 60% support.

Several examples of strong support came from the voters in Washington state. In King County Fire Protection District #2 voters approved a measure 66.45% - 33.55% to provide new fire stations and equipment. And with a two-thirds vote, citizens in District #44 passed bonds to acquire firefighting equipment and renovate fire stations.

Sauk County, Wis., is setting their justice and public safety 2009 budget +4.4%; higher than their 2008 budget of $11.86 million.

A careful review of the recent November elections indicates that although times now and in the future will be a turbulent, overall public support continues strong for various statewide government-based initiatives, passing 14 of 15 bond proposals coming in at just under $18.4 billion. Plus, many local fire and emergency service bonds and levies passed (such as those referenced above) will create funds for a number of years to come, which will provide a number of fire districts a cushion until the economy swings back up.

Barbara Doepping is the project editor for the Interact Business Group.