Verde Valley Fire District Fire Chief Nazih Hazime gave an update on activities in his agency to a handful of residents at the Cornville Community Association meeting Oct. 10 in the gymnasium at Oak Creek School.

Hazime said the district’s budget had been approved and he remained committed to good community relations.

“We always want to be involved in the community in any way we can,” Hazime said.

As far as the budget goes, Hazime said the district does its best to run a tight ship.

“When items come across my desk for purchase, it’s got to be something we absolutely need.”

Of concern to Hazime is the upcoming Tuesday, Nov. 6, vote on Proposition 117, a measure that, if passed, would limit increases on assessed property value at 5 percent per year.

Hazime estimates that if the measure becomes law, it could cost the district a loss in the neighborhood of $200,000.

“That’s going to hurt us,” Hazime said.

For the full story, see the Wednesday, Oct. 17, edition of the Cottonwood Journal Extra.