Using the Kent Reporter (April 6) and the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority’s Emergency Responder (Spring 2018), they want more money.
The city of Kent Proposition A is asking for a 2 percent increase on utilities taxes for the police department. We need more police to provide the services we need for a safe community, but questions are: when does this increase start, and how long will the increase be assessed?
Other questions: is the money intended for the police department, but, once in place, can the City Council take funds from it for other needs?
When the regional authority was formed the taxpayers were told it would be a money saver and provide better service. It appears our fire protection is spread out and cost more.
Why has the regional authority stepped out and started offering contract services? Isn’t this additional cost of manpower and equipment, and are those areas paying their share?
Looking at the “pie” chart the regional authority supplied, there is no mention of sub-contracts or any description/definition for the portions of the pie (2034 Calls for Good Intent, 725 Calls for Service). Are these really calls that require the fire department talent or are they the calls from medical clinics, home health care or retirement operations that don’t have enough staff?
The problem with false alarms is they require a response until determent “false.” Why aren’t repeated false alarms assessed a cost for poorly maintained equipment in place of the entire authority covering the cost?
Taxpayers, property owners and seniors have to live within their means, however, government staff and services seem to think there is a never ending money flow.
– Howard Lontz
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