November 8, 2011Proposition 1
Levy Lid Lift
70 square miles 87,300 population 5 stations
Geography
Olympia
TumwaterYelm
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 20105000
6000
7000
8000
9000
10000
11000
68257331
8116
1004310474
10796
Year
# o
f Inc
iden
tsIncident Responses
To deliver the most effective serviceswith the resources available to us
Our Primary Goal…
However… Fire District revenues have not kept pace with
increases in service demands Since 2007 our levy rate has grown by only
1.6% Current financial resources are at critical levels
Reduced Staff: 2004-Present Reduced support staff from 16 to 4 Cut 1 of 3 senior management positions Cut 3 firefighter positions Vacated 3 lieutenant positions Decreased minimum daily staffing to reduce
overtime
Cost Reductions No cost of living increases for 4 years Increased deductibles to reduce healthcare
premiums
Here is what we’ve done….
Applied and received grants for: Equipment
Increasing fuel efficiency in our apparatus Breathing apparatus (SCBA) and mobile data
terminals
Staffing Recruitment and retention of volunteer responders Six firefighters were hired on a five year grant that
expired in 2011
Here is what we’ve done….
The Board of Fire Commissioners has approved placement of a six year levy lid lift on the November ballot
The ballot measure is to restore the levy to the 2004 level of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value
What is Proposition 1?
What will it cost?
Without Lid Lift With Lid LiftCurrent 2012 Projected * 2012
Levy Rate $1.18 $1.30 $1.50
Cost to homeowner ($220,000 average value) $21.63/month $23.83/month $27.50/month
* Decreasing property values have the mathematical effect of increasing the levy rate. The 2012 rate is projected by the Thurston County Assessor to be approximately $1.30
+$3.67/monthApprox. above 2012 rate
Restore staffing Maintain current insurance rating
Apparatus repair and maintenance Operational fund balance
How will Levy funds be used?
Staffing Plan Restore engine company staffing at Station 35
(near Jubilee) Stabilize staffing of two apparatus at Station 31
(Headquarters) Enhance service delivery to the Station 32 area
(Lake St Claire/Yelm Highway) Restoring station resident volunteer firefighter
program
With Successful Lid Lift
Apparatus Plan Reestablish adequate funding for our
equipment repair and replacement program Establish a cooperative and cost-effective
regional maintenance program
With Successful Lid Lift
Operational Fund Plan The State Auditor recommended the District
maintain a fund balance equal to one month’s operating expenses as a sound financial practice
The Board of Fire Commissioners has developed a plan to reach this goal
With Successful Lid Lift
Daily staffing will continue to be reduced Station(s) may be unstaffed
If the Levy Fails…
HeadquartersStation 31
Yelm Hwy/St ClaireStation 32
Mullen RoadStation 33
Steilacoom RoadStation 34
Willamette/JubileeStation 35
Apparatus needing repairs will remain out of service
Reduced public education and outreach
If the Levy Fails…
Critical Impacts Fewer crews available to cover the growing
requests for emergency services leads to longer response times
Positive outcomes for medical emergencies or structure fires diminish as response times lengthen.
We will need to request the levy lid lift again
If the Levy Fails…
We have run out of adequate funding to continue to provide service at current levels.
Proposition 1 will restore the levy to the voter approved 2004 level
Six years of predictable funding will: Stabilize station staffing & enhance response
capabilities Fund necessary repairs for response vehicles Allow compliance with State Auditor fund balance
recommendations
Summary
Questions?For further questions, please contact us:
E-mail [email protected] Call 360-491-2410 Website www.laceyfire.com
These are YOUR Fire and Emergency Services.
Please remember tomail your ballot before
Tuesday, November 8, 2011.