In the current climate of governmental austerity, the Kent Regional Fire Authority’s Fire Benefit Charge (FBC) is a shining example of fiscal and professional management done right.
Created in 2011 during the waning years of this country’s deep financial crisis, the primary purpose was to make Kent’s fire and emergency medical response independent of the city’s widely fluctuating tax revenues. These critical services needed a stable and continuous source of revenue.
A review of the Kent Regional Fire Authority (KRFA) 2015 responses, indicates that 77 percent of calls were medical in nature. Failure to pass the 2016 Proposition One issue could result in substantial cutbacks of fire/EMT personnel and erode response times for life-threatening medical emergencies.
The FBC, which has risen minimally, since its implementation by an overwhelming public vote, has resulted in judicious management of the KRFA budget during a period of rapid population and business growth.
During the past six years, the KRFA has diligently worked to receive a superior national performance rating, which translates into lives saved and minimal increases in personal property insurance.
One has only to be at the receiving end of the KRFA’s quality care to recognize the superior quality and professionalism, which are a hallmark of this organization.
– Michael S. Sealfon
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