King County Fire District #2, serving the citizens of Burien and Normandy Park, is placing a multi-year lid lift proposition on the November 3, 2015 ballot. This proposition will authorize the property tax levy rate to remain at $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for 2016, coupled with annual increases of up to 6% in each of the five subsequent years. The proposition is presented to allow voters to override the limitation imposed by Chapter 84.55 of the Revised Code of Washington, which would otherwise limit total property tax revenue to 101% of the previous year’s revenue, regardless of the authorized dollar rate limitation of $1.50, which voters have previously approved.

This proposition meets the requirement of RCW 84.55.050, that any revenue increase greater than 1%, over the previous year, be approved by the voters.

Approval of this proposition would allow maintaining the current level of services. Rejection of this proposition would lead to the loss of up to $500,000 annually in projected tax revenues, which would necessitate cutbacks in services, possible layoff of personnel, potential elimination of special services such as rescue teams, and similar cutbacks.

For questions about this measure, contact: Mike Marrs, Fire Chief, 206-242-2040 ext 101, mmarrs@burienfire.org