District 38 levy lift up to voters

NORTH BEND - King County Fire District 38 commissioners are asking voters to approve a levy lid increase to fund basic services that will likely be cut if the measure fails.

The increase would require those residing in King County Fire District 38 to pay $1.07 per $1,000 of assessed value for fire services, an increase from the current rate of 83 cents. City of North Bend residents currently pay $1.35 per $1,000 of assessed value, while Snoqualmie residents pay $1.64 (which includes bond debt for past apparatus and or building purchases).

Without the increase, the district will more than likely have to cut a full-time firefighter position from its current three-man shift rotation, putting the district in a precarious position.

Despite warnings from the commissioners, opponents of the levy increase claim with staffing levels and services remaining nearly the same since 1993, and assessed fire tax valuation doubling in that time - it's currently about $1.1 million - District 38 has the proper funding and should not be asking the taxpayers for additional money.

"We need the services, but are we getting our money's worth?" said North Bend resident Pat Young.

The increase would require those residing in King County Fire District 38 to pay $1.07 per $1,000 of assessed value for fire services, an increase from the current rate of 83 cents. City of North Bend residents currently pay $1.35 per $1,000 of assessed value, while Snoqualmie residents pay $1.64 (which includes bond debt for past apparatus and or building purchases).

Without the increase, the district will more than likely have to cut a full-time firefighter position from its current three-man shift rotation, putting the district in a precarious position.

Despite warnings from the commissioners, opponents of the levy increase claim with staffing levels and services remaining nearly the same since 1993, and assessed fire tax valuation doubling in that time - it's currently about $1.1 million - District 38 has the proper funding and should not be asking the taxpayers for additional money.

"We need the services, but are we getting our money's worth?" said North Bend resident Pat Young.

For the complete story, pick up a copy of this week's Valley Record

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