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Fire Benefit Charge
Fire District 10
(Facts You Should Know)
(The Fire Benefit is charged on all fire protected space, not just living space.)
What is the Fire Benefit Charge?
The Fire Benefit Charge is a modern and fair method to secure operating funds for your Fire District and modifies a funding system that relies solely on assessed property value. The Fire Benefit Charge will reduce the current property tax rate from $1.50 to $1.00 of assessed property value. The Fire Benefit Charge is not a tax. It is a fee that will apply only to the improvements on properties according to the property use and size of structure.
Why did the Fire Commissioners propose the Fire Benefit Charge?
The Board of Fire Commissioners believe the Fire Benefit Charge provides funding stability for better long term planning and is the most fair and equitable means to charge for fire and emergency services.
How does the Fire Benefit Charge apply?
The Fire Benefit Charge considers that those who benefit more from the fire protection services provided by the Fire District (e.g., large structures and high fire risk structures) should pay more for that service. It is important to note that senior citizens who qualify for reduced property taxes will also qualify for a similar reduction in the amount of the Fire Benefit Charge. In addition, the installation of an approved fire protection sprinkler system in commercial and residential properties will reduce a portion of the Fire Benefit Charge. The Fire Benefit Charge applies to real and personal property improvements, but does not apply to land nor does it relate to assessed value.
Are there any controls over the Board of Fire Commissioners in regard to the Fire Benefit Charge?
Yes, the Fire District 10 Commissioners are elected officials who represent you. As a safeguard, the law requires the Commissioners to hold a Public Hearing to set the Fire Benefit Charge for each upcoming year. It is important for you to know that the Fire Benefit Charge law provides property owners with the opportunity to appeal the amount of the Fire Benefit Charge locally within your Fire District. Further, the law stipulates that the Fire Benefit Charge can never be more than 60% of the District’s total Budget. For 2012, it will constitute about 33% of the budget.
What if I have concerns about my Fire Benefit Charge?
Once the Fire Benefit Charge is set, property owners are notified of the individual charge and an appeal process is made available for any property owner who may have concerns. Should a property owner have concerns about the Fire Benefit Charge, the Commissioners of Fire District 10 have the authority to deal directly with the property owner’s concerns.
Once the Fire Benefit Charge is approved, is it permanent?
No, the law requires a re-authorization vote every six years. In 2009, District voters reauthorized the use of the Fire Benefit Charge with an 86% approval.
What other fire districts use the Fire Benefit Charge?
Fire District 36 (Woodinville), Fire District 16 (North Shore) and Fire District 40 (Spring Glen) use the Fire Benefit Charge and have for many years. They believe the Fire Benefit Charge accomplishes the same goals as the Fire District 10 Commissioners. Many other Fire District Commissioners are considering the same move.
How are Fire District 10 and Eastside Fire & Rescue affiliated?
Fire District 10 is a partner in Eastside Fire & Rescue, along with Fire District 38 and the cities of Issaquah, Sammamish, and North Bend. These agencies came together to improve the delivery of emergency services while saving money through cost efficiency. A recent study by a cost consultant showed the delivery of similar services by individual fire departments would have been 28% more expensive.
If you have other questions concerning the Fire Benefit Charge, please contact:
Eastside Fire & Rescue
(425) 313-3200
www.eastsidefire-rescue.org