The Westside Fire District is asking its patrons for a five-year operating levy of 50 cents per thousand dollars of assessed property value in the upcoming election. That would be on top of the current 78 cents per thousand, which is the lowest tax rate among fire districts in the Hood River Valley. District board member Mark Beam says they had considered the levy for a number of years, but have held off for economic reasons. Fire Marshal Jim Trammell adds the district is trying to maintain its current level of service, but in recent years have constantly been in a catch-up mode. District officials emphasized none of the levy funds would be used for personnel. The district employs two people, with the rest of the operation done by volunteers.