The Kent Fire Department is asking for support on Proposition 1.  The proposition is coming to the public in hopes of creating the Kent Regional Fire Authority.

The Fire Authority will join the Kent Fire Department and King County Fire District 37.  By doing this, the Authority will be funded by a six-year fire benefit charge and a property tax which will decrease by $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed value.  The Authority will keep the Kent Fire Department name and will be governed by a 6-member board of 3 elected councilmembers from Kent and 3 elected commissioners from Fire District 37.

The Kent Fire Department claims the Kent Regional Fire Authority will ensure..

• Strong emergency services and fast response times for our growing community
• Long-term financial sustainability and accountability for emergency services
• A proven, diversified funding model less dependent on property taxes
• Lower costs and greater efficiency through consolidation of contracts and resources

The Kent Firefighters are looking for a “YES” vote on Tuesday, April 27, 2010.   Proposition 1 is endorsed by the Covington City Council, the Kent City Council, Fire District 37 and Kent Firefighters 1747.  For more information visit the City of Kent website.

This week a mailing went out to King, Pierce and Snohomish County voters from the King County Library System, outlining Proposition 1. This proposition, which is up for a vote on Feb. 9, 2010, would restore the King County Library System’s property tax levy rate to $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed value for collection in 2011.

What will happen if Prop 1 passes?

According to the mailer, KCLS would use the restored revenue to preserve the current level of library service, programs and resources at its 44 libraries and to maintain its outreach services to community centers, low-income daycare facilities and to the elderly and homebound.

What will happen if Prop 1 does not pass?

KCLS will face 10-15% in budget cuts which includes funding for books, computers and building maintenance. In addition, if the levy lid is not lifted, KCLS anticipates that library staff and hours of operation may have to be reduced in future years due to the lost revenue.

For more information, call 425-369-3275 or visit KCLS online.