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November 7, 2000 General Election

Fire Protection Dist. No. 45 - Proposition No. 1

BALLOT TITLE

PROPOSITION NO.1
FIRE STATION BONDS - $4,200,000

The Board of Fire Commissioners of King County Fire Protection District No. 45 adopted Resolution No. 235 concerning a proposition for financing new facilities. This ballot proposition, if approved, will authorize the District to purchase land and to construct and equip two new fire stations, issue no more than $4,200,000 of general obligation bonds maturing within 20 years, and levy annual excess property taxes to pay and retire such bonds, all as provided in Resolution No. 235. Should this proposition be:

Approved __   Rejected __

 

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

If approved, this proposition would authorize King County Fire Protection District No. 45, to issue no more than $4,200,000 of general obligation bonds to purchase land, and to construct and equip two new fire stations. The new facilities would replace facilities which are structurally deficient, inadequately designed, or poorly located to provide an acceptable level of service.

The Board of Fire Commissioners has found that it is essential and necessary for the protection of public health, life and property that the District purchase land, and construct and equip two new fire stations, providing new facilities to improve fire and life safety capabilities. The size of the issue was set to provide the new facilities and improved capabilities.

Without voter approval, there would be no funds to pay for the intended purchase of land, and construction and equipping of two new fire stations serving the District and its residents. As a result, the proposed acquisitions and improvements would not be possible.

The bonds would mature within 20 years, and be paid by annual property tax levies made in excess of regular property tax levies throughout the District, at an estimated average of

32 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, or an estimated $32.00 per year for a $100,000 house. No such taxes would be levied or collected until bonds are sold.

Exemptions from taxes for the bonds may be available to homeowners who are 61 years of age or older, or disabled, and who meet income requirements set by state law.

 

STATEMENT FOR

A 1998 structural report found the present fire station in Duvall would not survive a significant earthquake. The danger to personnel, apparatus, and the ability to respond to the public in emergency situations would be greatly affected should the structure fail. The present station was built 40 years ago, and the age and condition make replacement more cost effective than another remodel.

The stations located near Lake Marcel and Lake Margaret are staffed as needed by personnel responding from home. These stations are not centrally located and were not designed to be staffed full time. One of these stations has no septic system.

Proposition 1 would replace the main station and build a second staffed station to be centrally located between Lake Marcel and Lake Margaret.

A bond approved in 1990 will expire this year at a cost of .25 per $1000 of assessed value. Proposition 1 would cost .32 per $1000. For the two new stations the increase would be only .07 per $1000, or $14 per year more than taxpayers are currently paying for a $200,000 home. What cost would you put on your family's safety?

Endorsed by Duvall Firefighters Association and Duvall Career Firefighters - IAFF Local 2878.

STATEMENT PREPARED BY: MARGIE P. COY, JOHN COY, HOUSTON BARCLAY

 

REBUTTAL OF STATEMENT AGAINST

NO STATEMENT SUBMITTED.

 

STATEMENT AGAINST

NO STATEMENT SUBMITTED.

 

REBUTTAL OF STATEMENT FOR

NO STATEMENT SUBMITTED.

 

NOTE: The Division of Records and Elections is not authorized to edit statements, nor is it responsible for their contents.

Updated: October 20, 2000


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