Montana Volunteer Fire Department Proposes Fee Schedule

A volunteer fire department north of Great Falls, Mont., proposes to introduce a new range of fees for its fire protection services.

Fire officials are proposing a 12-tier system of fees. Fees would begin at the current flat rate of $100 a year and go up from there.

The Great Falls Tribune reports the Black Eagle Volunteer Fire Department has scheduled a public hearing on the proposed changes Thursday.

The lowest rate would apply to homes valued at less than $50,000. That’s almost half of the 500 properties located in the rural area. The fee would increase to $150 a year for properties valued at between $50,000 and $100,000.

The top-tier fee of $9,000 a year would apply to major facilities, which include a dam.