Deer Creek Fire Hopes Voters Approve Millage Increase

Deer Creek and Oak Cliff officials have been teaming up, providing ambulances to those in need for a while.

Firefighters say if residents vote to bump the millage up, they can keep these emergency services going.

In 2023, EMSA stopped servicing areas in parts of Deer Creek and Oak Cliff.

The Oak Cliff Fire Protection District serves about 12,000 people. Deer Creek serves about 9,000 people.

Most of our medical calls are very serious. So, when people call 911 in our districts, they need quick, reliable service," said Chief Cory Beagles of the Deer Creek Fire Protection District. 

With ARAP funds, both stations can send an ambulance to an emergency until 2026.

Chief Beagles says if the millage isn't increased, he and the Oak Cliff Chief don't know how to pay for those services.

"There's really no one to provide that service outside the fire district. So even though it is not required of us, we are trying to take it on as we think it's the right and best thing to do," said Chief Beagles.

The millage rate is the tax per dollar of the assessed value of the property. One mile is one-tenth of a cent. 

The homes they service average about $420,000 so if approved, it would be about a $125 annual increase.

Chief Beagles believes that additional funds would help save money on property insurance.

"By doing the new staffing increase and new station, that would lower our Insurance Services Organization from a three to a two. (The lower the number from 1-10, the better service.) Which would make the millage increase almost a wash for our property owners," said Chief Beagles. 

Deer Creek firefighters have bought land, and they would like to build a third station.

The increase would also help pay for firefighters. Volunteers mainly run this department.