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Ballot measures

February 11, 2020 Special Election

Valley Regional Fire Authority

Proposition No. 1

Levy Lid Lift to Restore the Regular Property Tax Levy

 

The Board of Governance of Valley Regional Fire Authority has adopted Resolution No. 156 concerning restoring the regular property tax levy to its original rate.

 

If approved, this proposition would authorize restoration of the regular property levy rate of $1.00/$1,000 assessed value for collection in 2021, as described in the Resolution. The increased levy would be used to sustain fire protection and emergency medical services within the Authority. The highest lawful levy permitted for collection in 2021 will be used to calculate subsequent levy limits.

 

Should this proposition be:
 

Approved

Rejected


The Valley Regional Fire Authority (VRFA) proposes a levy lid lift to restore its regular levy rate to $1.00 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, in order to sustain fire protection and emergency medical services (EMS) to those within VRFA’s service area.

The levy lid lift would return the levy rate for collection in 2021 to the level approved by the voters when they approved forming the VRFA and would reset the levy limit under the 101% lid at the 2021 level. If this levy lid lift is approved, it would avoid the need to increase the fire benefit charge in order to continue to cover currently projected costs over the next several years.

If approved by voters, this levy would result in an increase in property taxes of $91.00 per year ($7.58 per month) for a $350,000 median value home. This increase will be almost entirely offset by an expected reduction in the fire benefit charge beginning in 2021, resulting in a total net change in cost to the median homeowner for VRFA fire protection and emergency medical services of approximately $10 per year ($0.83 per month).

Proposition 1 will ensure that Valley Regional Fire Authority (VRFA) can continue meeting the needs of our community.  Algona, Auburn and Pacific residents rely on VRFA for quality fire protection, life safety and emergency response services.  VRFA has maintained outstanding service levels despite rapid growth in population and call volumes.

Proposition 1 will help safeguard our community at very little extra cost: less than $1 per month for the owner of an average $350,000 local home.  It will restore the VRFA property tax levy to $1 per $1,000 of assessed value, which voters approved when forming VRFA, and allow reduction of fire benefit charges in 2021.

This rebalancing of property tax and fire benefit charges to more closely reflect VRFA’s original funding mix will provide VRFA with financial flexibility to respond to the changing needs of our community.  Not doing so will limit VRFA’s options, reduce its ability to make important investments that benefit us all, and eventually lead to reduced service levels.

VRFA strongly protects not only our physical safety but also our public dollars.  They serve us well.  We must continue supporting them to help maintain a strong and healthy community.  Please vote yes!

Submitted by: Debbie Christian, George Frasier, Lynn Norman, YesForVRFA@gmail.com

No statement submitted.

Statements in favor of and in opposition to a ballot measure are submitted by committees appointed by the jurisdiction. No persons came forward to serve on the committee and to write a statement in opposition. If you would like to be involved with a committee in the future please contact the jurisdiction.

Simple majority (RCW 84.55)

Mark Horaski, Chief Financial Officer, (253) 288-5800, askthevrfa@vrfa.org

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