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Lotto (Lotte) requests MOU before joining county fire assessment; commission gives consensus to draft agreement
Summary
The city of Lotte asked the county for a memorandum of understanding (MOU) addressing utility and expense allocation before it adopts the county fire assessment; the county manager and fire chief recommended drafting an MOU and the commission gave consensus for staff to prepare one for review on June 17.
County and fire officials reported that the City of Lotte is prepared to proceed with a fire assessment but requested a written memorandum of understanding addressing perceived double taxation and operations before approving the assessment.
Chief Carter and County Manager Carnegie told the board they attended a Lotte City Council meeting where Lotte councilors said they currently budget about $27,000 a year for fire department–related expenses (utilities, bay‑door repairs) and that residents worry about paying both city charges and the county fire assessment. Lotte scheduled a special meeting for June 16 to conduct a second reading and vote on the fire assessment; the city requested an MOU in advance that would clarify the allocation of responsibilities and any credits for existing city spending.
County officials said Lotte owns its fire station building but not the apparatus, and the town suggested a long‑term lease for the facility similar to arrangements made with Brooker. County staff estimated there are roughly 270 dwelling units in Lotte and that the county would collect about $45,000 from Lotte if the city participates in the county fire assessment. Staff said a draft MOU is ready for review and asked for the board’s consensus to proceed so the county could present the agreement on the June 17 agenda; the board gave consensus.
Why this matters: Lotte’s participation affects county fire assessment revenue and the fairness perceptions among small municipal taxpayers. Officials said a signed MOU would reassure Lotte residents about taxes and define maintenance and utility responsibilities.
Next steps: staff will finalize the MOU, the City of Lotte will proceed with its scheduled June 16 vote, and the county will place the MOU on the June 17 agenda for formal board action.
