People can let the governing board of the Kent Regional Fire Authority know what they think about an April 26 ballot measure to extend a fire benefit charge against property owners for another six years.
The public hearing is at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17 at Fire Station 78, 17820 SE 256th St., in Covington.
Voters in Kent, Covington and Fire District 37 in 2010 approved the formation of the Regional Fire Authority (RFA) with 72 percent in favor of funding the agency through a property tax levy and a new fire benefit charge. The fire benefit fee is a variable rate based on the square footage and the amount of resources needed to provide emergency services to each house or business.
The property tax levy of $1 per $1,000 assessed valuation covers about half of the RFA’s operating budget. The fire benefit charge in 2016 will cover 46 percent of the budget. By state law, a fire benefit charge cannot exceed 60 percent of the operating budget.
Previously, Kent funded its fire department through the general fund. Covington and Fire District 37 contracted with Kent for services.
Just as in 2010, a 60 percent approval vote will be needed to pass the April measure.
The RFA is overseen by a board that includes three Kent City Council members, three Fire District 37 commissioners, and one non-voting advisory board member from the cities of Covington and SeaTac.
For more information, go to kentfirerfa.org.
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