Please vote to renew the Benefit Service Charge (BSC) as one of the sources used to finance Fire District operations and services.
The BSC is calculated based on the area of buildings and other improvements on parcels. There is no charge for undeveloped land, and buildings with fire sprinklers have a reduced rate. The BSC calculation more closely approximates the fire risk to property and the service potentially required from KCFD45. The BSC calculation considers that those who benefit more from the fire protection services (e.g., large structures and structures used in a manner that pose higher fire risk, such as commercial structures) fund more for to prepare for fire response.
The ability to adjust the BSC in each annual budget cycle enables the Board of Fire Commissioners to maintain KCFD45’s high standard of service levels and to adjust to the cost fluctuations impacting daily operations and long-term capital and equipment needs. The District maintains these funds for apparatus, equipment replacement purchases, and other capital and personnel expenditures, all from the property tax and the BSC and not through special levies.
This has been an effective, and predictable tool to help operate our stations and support our highly trained Firefighters.
Submitted by: Michael Beard, mrbeard45@gmail.com
