HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommittee of the Whole - 18 Oct 2021 - Agenda - Pdf
CITY OF RENTON
AGENDA - Committee of the Whole Meeting
6:00 PM - Monday, October 18, 2021
Videoconference
1. RFA BRIEFING: FIRE BENEFIT CHARGE
a) Presentation
Currently, due to the spread of COVID-19, all regularly-scheduled committee meetings will be held as
necessary via video-conference. City Hall is closed to the public.
If you would like to attend this week's meeting remotely, you can do so by going to
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86753290028?pwd=M2pOc09HWWNrY05uVnlIWnpGS1E4UT09
Zoom Meeting ID: 867 5329 0028, Passcode: 881839
You can call through Zoom at (253) 215-8782 and use the Meeting ID.
PROPOSITION 1
Continuing the Fire Benefit Charge
Presented By:
Steve Heitman, Fire Chief
Renton Regional Fire Authority
Fall 2021 AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
OVERVIEW
During this presentation, we will talk about:
•Who we are
•How we serve the community
•Proposition 1 and why it is on the November 2nd ballot
•Five key facts about the Fire Benefit Charge (FBC)
•Additional information about the FBC and Proposition 1
•Questions you may have about Proposition 1 or the FBC AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
WHO WE ARE
Renton Regional Fire Authority at a Glance
Renton RFA serves over 135,000 community members and
businesses within the City of Renton, Fire District 25, and Fire
District 40.*
We staff 7 fire stations, across 33+ square miles of the
Renton area -with firefighter/EMTs -24/7/365.
Our organization is governed by a 7-member Board:
•3 Renton City Councilmembers
•3 Fire District 25 Commissioners
•1 Nonvoting Fire District 40 Commissioner *AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
OUR SERVICES
How We Serve the Renton Community
•Fire Suppression
•Emergency Medical Services
•Special Response Teams
HazMat, Water*, and Rope
Rescue
•Fire Inspections
•Fire Investigations
•Permits
•Fire Plans Reviews
•Specialty Programs*
2020 Calls for Service
16, 244
994
1,103
3,044
EMS Responses
Fire Responses
Special Teams Responses
Other
21,385 Total Responses AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
PROPOSITION 1
Renewing Our Funding Source to Maintain Service Levels and
Response Capabilities
Proposition 1 is a measure on the Nov. 2 ballot that asks voters to decide on the continuation
of the Fire Benefit Charge (FBC).
The FBC is not a new fee. Voters approved it initially in 2016, and state law requires the FBC
to be reauthorized by the voters six years after its initial approval.
The FBC currently provides approximately 40% of our annual revenue and operating budget.
The FBC currently contributes to funding firefighter staffing, safety equipment, fire engines
and aid units, and fire stations. AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
FIVE KEY FACTS
About the Fire Benefit Charge (FBC)AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
FBC FACT 1
Need Less, Pay Less
The FBC is allocated to property owners based on the risks, hazards, and use
of the structures on their property. *
•Properties requiring more fire
protection resources pay a higher fire
benefit charge.
•Typically, commercial, industrial, and
multi-family properties pay more,
and residential properties pay less. $
$AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
FBC FACT 2
The FBC Diversifies Our Revenue
Renton RFA has two primary funding sources: property tax and the FBC.
Property tax funding is based on a property’s assessed value.
Property tax revenue can fluctuate with changes in the economy ̶
from a global pandemic, for example. *
The FBC is a consistent and reliable source of funding based on the fire
protection resources required to protect a property.
The combination of these funding sources creates stable and sustainable
revenue for our organization. AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
FBC FACT 3
The FBC is Not a New Fee
•The FBC was first approved by Renton voters in
2016.
•State law requires that the FBC be reauthorized by
voters six years after its initial approval.
•Fire agencies may request a 6-year, 10 -year, or a
lifetime reauthorization of the FBC. Renton RFA is
asking for a 10-year renewal.*
•If approved, Proposition 1 will continue the FBC for
10 years. AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
FBC FACT 4
Discounts and Exemptions Apply
Low-income seniors or disabled persons who qualify
for a property tax exemption (under RCW 84.36.381 –
84.36.389) receive the same percentage discount on
their FBC.
If your property has a monitored fire alarm with a
“Certificate of Service” from a licensed alarm
monitoring company, you may qualify for a 7.5%
discount.
If your property has a monitored, automatic fire
sprinkler system, you may also qualify for a 10%
discount. *AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
FBC FACT 5
The FBC Lowers the Property Tax
With the FBC in place, the maximum regular property tax levy (fire levy) is
one-third lower than it could be otherwise. *AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
About the FBC *
The FBC
provides
over 40% of
our annual
revenue.
FBC revenues provide funding for:
•Firefighter staffing and training.
•The purchase and maintenance of our fire
engines, aid units, specialty vehicles, and
safety equipment.
•The construction, remodeling, and
maintenance of new and existing fire stations.
•The continuance of our public programs, such
as Public Education, Fire Investigation, and the
FDCARES program, which helps vulnerable
community members.AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
About the Proposition 1
The FBC is necessary to maintain our existing service levels and response
capabilities.
IF APPROVED
Renton RFA will be able to maintain
fire and life safety service levels
throughout the Renton community
and continue funding the resources
and programs the community has
become accustomed to.
IF REJECTED
Renton RFA will have to address
the over 40%gap in our operating
budget by considering measures
that include reducing service levels
or increasing the property tax.AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
QUESTIONS
About the FBC or Proposition 1
You can also find more information about these topics using the methods below:
•Visit us online: www.rentonrfa.org/proposition1
•Give us a call: (425) 276-9500
•Send us an email: www.rentonrfa.org/contact *
Thank you for your time!AGENDA ITEM #1. a)