My View – Wayne Snoey

You need to make a decision on April 27th regarding the formation of a Regional Fire Authority.  Here is advance notice of the ballot you will get in the mail from King County Elections: 

Proposed Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority 

60% approval (RCW 52.26.050)  

Proposition No. 1

The City of Kent and King County Fire Protection District No. 37 have adopted a Joint Resolution approving the Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority Plan (“Plan”) to create the Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority (“Authority”) with an effective date of July 1, 2010. 

If approved, this proposition would create the Authority, in accordance with the Plan, to provide fire protection and emergency medical services in the City and the District. The Authority will be funded by a six-year fire benefit charge (not to exceed 60% of the operating budget) and a property tax (not to exceed $1.00 per $1,000 of assessed value). This funding would replace the District’s existing property tax rate of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed value, and would reduce Kent’s property tax capacity by the tax rate collected by the Authority. 

Should the Plan to create a Regional Fire Protection Service Authority be approved?

YES
NO  

I served on a Committee two years ago that carefully studied the Regional Fire Authority concept and recommended, to the City of Kent and Fire District 37, that it be submitted  to the voters for approval.  It is a concept that has already been approved by the voters in recent years in the Federal Way and Auburn areas.  Those voters realized that their Fire Departments, like ours, need a stable funding source in good times and bad.  They understood that when the economy is a little rough, we cannot simply lay off firefighters and sell off fire trucks and aid cars. 

In tough times, we can cut back on the extras that Government provides.  Streets improvements can be delayed.  New government programs can be delayed.   We can lay off staff.  However, the one thing we cannot do is lay off the people who save lives!  Common sense says that the lives of our families and neighbors transcend temporary economic setbacks.  The economy will return, like it always does.  We just don’t know when.  We cannot bring back the life of one child that was lost because we were trying to save a couple of bucks on taxes.  My income might be down, but I want my home saved if there is a fire and I want an aid car to save my life if I have a heart attack.  Cheap has some virtue, but not in this case! 

The only opponent of the RFA, I am aware of, would like you to believe that voting yes would cause a rogue organization that would raise taxes on a whim.  I can’t recall any time our Fire Department has done other than try to do anything other than do its very best to save lives, homes and businesses!  The new Benefit Charge will be the most fair way to fund the Fire Department.  As I stated in the Voters Guide: 

The RFA concept is already well-proven, having been created in the Auburn and Federal Way areas.  It will reduce unequal property taxes and make up the difference with a Benefit Charge that is absolutely fair to all users.  Businesses were part of the planning process and, even though they may pay a higher rate under the RFA, understand that it makes sense and support it.  Other governmental organizations, currently exempt, will now pay their fair share as well! 

Saving lives, homes and businesses is not something to take for granted.  We have trusted our Fire Department in the past.  Vote YES for the future and support the service that might save YOUR life or home some day!