LEAD - Lawrence County commissioners approved to a new fire protection district for the Lead area, but voters will have the final say in the April 8 election.

Supporters have collected enough signatures to put it to a public vote.

The new district would set up a new tax base for fire protection.

Property owners in Lead would see an increase of $25 per year for each $100,000 in valuation. Rural property owners would pay $80 per year for each $100,000 in valuation.

Backers of the district said it's needed to make up for the loss of property taxes from the closure of the Homestake gold mine.