We request voters approve the continuation of the Renton Regional Fire Authority (RFA) Fire Benefit Charge (FBC).
The RFA was approved by voters back in April 2016 and started operations on July 1st, 2016, when the Renton Fire Department joined with King County District 25.
The FBC is one of only two sources that fund fire and emergency medical services provided by the RFA to our over 135,000 residents and businesses in our 33.3 square mile service area. The FBC accounts for 40% of the budget for the RFA, including costs for training, equipping and paying firefighters as well as maintaining and replacing all fire trucks, other apparatus and fire stations. Renewal of this fee will make it possible for the RFA to continue to maintain critical service levels and innovative programs developed over the last 5 years, including the FD Cares and Public Education programs, for another 10 years.
The FBC provides an equitable, stable and reliable method for funding operations, even in times of uncertainty, and distributes costs of service based on the size and characteristics of the structures on property. The FBC applies to structures 400 feet or larger, including each level of a building, basements (finished/unfinished), mezzanines and garages. Factors helping to determine the amount each taxpayer contributes are based on required firefighting resources, sizes and hazards associated with the structure(s). Discounts are provided for buildings with sprinkler systems and exemptions for religious schools, churches and nonprofit housing.
We appreciate our communities’ continued support of Renton Regional Fire Authority and ask for your vote in favor of this measure on the ballot.
Submitted by: Diane Dobson, Jason Parker, diane@gorenton.com
