Proposition 1 asks voters to decide whether to form a new Renton Regional Fire Authority (“RRFA”) to replace the current structure. The City of Renton (“Renton”) provides fire and medical emergency services to Renton residents and, through a contract, to King County Fire District #25 (“FD 25”) residents. Currently, the Fire Department competes with other city departments for city revenues.
If Proposition 1 passes, the Renton Fire Department and FD 25 will merge into one organization, the RRFA, effective July 1, 2016. It will have dedicated funding and be governed by a board consisting of three Renton City Councilmembers and three FD 25 Commissioners.
If Proposition 1 passes, Renton plans to construct a north end fire station and, after construction, reduce its property tax assessment.
Under the proposed RFA operating plan, property owners will pay more for fire and emergency services than they do today. The RRFA will be funded by a reduced property tax of $1.00 per thousand of assessed valuation, and a new fire benefit charge (“FBC”). The additional funding will be used to staff the new fire station, and provide additional service enhancements. The FBC would account for up to 60% of the RRFA budget and must be submitted for voter approval every six years.
These funding sources would replace FD 25’s current property tax rate of $1.50 per thousand and reduce Renton’s property tax capacity by up to $1.00 per thousand. Low income seniors and disabled persons will continue to receive the same percentage discounts.
For questions about this measure, contact: Rick Marshall, Battalion Chief/Safety Officer,
425-430-7101, rmarshall@rentonwa.gov
