South Whidbey Fire/EMS has been busy with the help of its communication consultant. And there’s more to come in the weeks before the November election, when South Whidbey voters will either approve or reject a levy lift.

Ahead of the public relations firm is an update to the district’s website, www.swfe.org, and the distribution of a “levy fact card” and a newsletter.

The South End’s fire protection district also recently approved a bid to build a live fire training structure. Chief Rusty Palmer selected Eagle Building Company in Clinton for the $11,865 project, which was approved by the three commissioners, Mike Helland, Bob Elliot and Kenon Simmons.

A 15-cent levy increase has been requested to bolster the district’s declining revenue from property taxes. If approved, the tax rate would be 76 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. An owner of a property valued at $300,000 would pay $228.

And the levy approval may be pressing. Some of the district’s engines are in trouble, as Palmer reported to the commissioners that the fire engine at the Freeland station is having problems, and may need to be replaced.