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.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The public hearing is at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17 at Fire Station 78, 17820 SE 256th St., in Covington.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The property tax levy of $1 per $1,000 assessed valuation covers about half of the RFA\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Previously, Kent funded its fire department through the general fund. Covington and Fire District 37 contracted with Kent for services.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Just as in 2010, a 60 percent approval vote will be needed to pass the April measure.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n