South King Fire & Rescue, encompassing Des Moines, Federal Way and parts of South King County has consistently offered higher quality fire and emergency services at a lower cost to taxpayers than most surrounding communities. However, those services are being threatened. In order to maintain our service, please VOTE YES for SKF&R’s maintenance and operations levy.

The district has lost over 22 percent of its annual revenue since 2009 as property values have declined. This reduction has necessitated major cutbacks in service levels and personnel, longer emergency response times and 23 departmental vacancies including front line firefighters. Those who remain have taken voluntary cuts in pay and benefits in order to maintain services.

To help the district maintain the level of safety that we have all come to expect, they have put Prop One on the ballot for the April 17, 2012 election. This four (4) year excess levy will allow the district to bridge the gap between current funding and the actual cost of operating at an efficient level for our community and our firefighters.

The levy will collect a fixed amount of $3.5 million each year. This is equivalent to an additional $0.29 cents per thousand dollars of assessed valuation. A $200,000 home will pay less than $5 per month (about $58 a year) along with their current assessment.

I urge a yes vote for Prop One. With the passing of this levy, our department’s tax rate will still remain lower than most neighboring jurisdictions, while retaining the distinction of being the only fire district in the history of the state to have been awarded a Class 2 insurance rating. This means lower insurance rates for businesses. By voting yes we are voting to maintain fast response times to Fire and Emergency Medical Services so vitally important to our community.

Wayne S. Corey
Publisher
www.publicsafe.org