Upcoming district bond a good deal

Published 1:00 am Friday, October 3, 2008

Fall City Fire District 27 will place a bond issue on the Nov. 6 ballot to fund a much-needed addition to the existing fire station. I have reviewed the plan in some detail and I’d like to recommend approval of the measure.

The existing fire station was built almost 25 years ago to house five vehicles and be staffed by 27 volunteer firefighters. It is anticipated that within the next few years the fire hall will be manned around the clock, and the existing fire station does not have the living space, kitchen facility and sleeping area necessary to support a 24-hour-a-day operation. The present office space has been jam-packed for the past 10 years. Structural modifications are also required to meet current earthquake standards. Simply stated, the facility needs to be enlarged and upgraded to keep pace with the current level of responses. (559 last year as compared to 153 when it was designed in 1975.)

This bond issue would be $2.4 million to be retired over 20 years. The district now receives $1.12 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. Approval of this bond issue would increase the levy rate by 35 cents. In comparison to other fire districts, Carnation-Issaquah-Sammamish is $1.59 and Duvall is $1.71. Essentially, this levy increase will provide for continued top-notch service at bargain prices. For example, the tax increase for property assessed at $200,000 would be $70 per year. Indeed, a small price for such an increase in service.

Voter approval is being requested at this time for two reasons. Interest rates are favorable and the remodeled station will be up and running by March 2004, which closely agrees with the planned around-the-clock manning.

Should you wish additional information, Chief Chris Connor at (425) 222-5841 says he’ll be happy to tell you more, such as how the construction is being planned to provide for uninterrupted aid-call and fire-protection services.

I urge all voters who value the continued outstanding service of the Fall City Fire District to vote “yes” on the forthcoming bond issue. The firefighters are doing their part, now it’s time for us to do our part.

Jack E. Kelley

Fall City