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Proposition No. 1
Submitted by Pierce County Fire Protection District No. 13
Browns Point - Dash Point Fire Department Medic-One
REGULAR PROPERTY TAX LEVY FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Official Ballot Title:
Shall Pierce County Fire District No. 13 be authorized to impose a PERMANENT regular property tax levy of $.50 or less per thousand dollars of assessed valuation for Emergency Medical Services? This is for a continuation of the Emergency Medical Services that are currently being provided by the District, the funding of which is scheduled to cease at the end of this year.
Explanatory Statement:
In 1987, the voters of Pierce County Fire District 13 approved the first six-year Emergency Medical Service (EMS) levy. The current EMS levy will expire at the end of 2000, and it was approved at an amount not to exceed 50 cents per $1,000 assessed value. This property tax levy, if approved by the voters, will continue the present EMS levy permanently. Annually, the Board of Commissioners would establish the amount of the levy, which may be less than, but will not exceed, 50 cents per $1,000 assessed value. Under House Bill 1154, approved in 1999, RCW 84.52.069 now provides that an EMS levy may be permanently approved by the voters, subject to an annual right of referendum by the voters.
The revenue generated by this levy may only be used for EMS purposes, and the law requires separate accounting of EMS expenditures. This levy would provide the funds necessary to obtain, operate and maintain emergency medical aid vehicles, facilities, equipment and emergency medical technicians along with other medically trained personnel. Over 70% of the calls for service by the District are EMS calls. The regular property tax levy provides funds for fire prevention and suppression, but does not provide funding for emergency medical services.
Statement For:
We need your help! The levy in March failed by only 8 votes to get 60% approval. We are again asking for your support of the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Levy as you previously did in 1987 and 1993. Please extend the current EMS levy that will soon expire. This levy will remain at the current rate of 50 cents for each $1,000 assessed valuation. This levy will not increase any tax and is not a new tax , but a continuation of the existing levy. For long range planning it is necessary to secure EMS funding through a permanent EMS levy. This levy will allow the district to continue to provide EMS along with long range planning, purchasing equipment, supplies and training personnel. Over 70% of the calls for service are EMS related calls, these services are not funded from regular property taxes and must be funded by an EMS levy.
Statement prepared by : Dave Strasser
Statement Against:
No statement was submitted against this issue.
This space is available each election for citizens and/or committees opposing measures
to publish a "Statement Against." For information, contact the Pierce County Auditor's Office at (253) 798-7430.
This election is being conducted entirely by mail.
No polling places will be open.
Your ballot must be postmarked by May 16th!
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