Shoreline Fire Department Prop. 2: Voters’ pamphlet material

Shoreline Fire Department Proposition 2 on the Aug. 4 ballot is would replace an expiring bond. Here is the material on Prop. 2 that will be in local voters’ pamphlets to be mailed July 15-16:

The proposition requires a 60% yes vote with a minimum turnout of 7,605 voters (Washington Constitution, article VII, section 2(b))

Shoreline Fire Department Proposition No. 2

General Obligation Fire Construction Bonds Principal Amount of Not to Exceed $9,500,000

BALLOT TITLE:

The Board of Fire Commissioners of Shoreline Fire Department adopted Resolution No. 15-01 concerning a proposition to construct capital improvements and to acquire equipment. This proposition will authorize the District to rebuild/relocate Station 63 (North City), purchase a ladder truck, three fire engines, three aid cars, rescue vehicles and self-contained breathing apparatuses, and build an outbuilding at Station 61 (Training and Support building 175th and Aurora), all in accordance with the District’s long-range plan; to issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $9,500,000 maturing within a maximum term of 10 years; and levy annual excess property tax levies to pay and retire such bonds, all as provided in Resolution No. 15-01.

Should this proposition be:  Approved __    Rejected ___

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Shoreline Fire Department seeks voter approval to sell $9,500,000 in general obligation bonds to finance the rebuild/relocation of Station 63, purchase of a ladder truck, three fire engines, three aid cars, rescue vehicle refurbish, self-contained breathing apparatus, and construct an outbuilding at Station 61, all in accordance with the District’s long-range plan.

For questions about this measure, contact Matt Cowan, Fire Chief, 206-533-6510, 

Statement For

The sale of capital bonds are the method used to finance high cost firefighting equipment, facility construction and renovations. The SFD’s current 20-year bond retires in 2016. The proposed 10-year replacement bond will be used to finance much needed equipment and construction expenditures that were deferred in order to maintain service levels during the recession.

For example, the SFD’s ladder truck is 21 years old, well beyond its life cycle of 15 years. Station 63 is 45 years old and does not meet current or future needs. Three front line fire engines, three aid cars, and SCBA breathing apparatus for our firefighters also need to be replaced over the next few years.

The bond is also cost effective. Under the expiring 20-year bond the owner of a $300,000 home has been paying $54 per year. The new 10-year bond will reduce the cost to $48 per year.

Passing this bond, in conjunction with the proposed fire benefit charge, will provide the SFD with the facilities, equipment and tools necessary to continue providing the citizens of Shoreline a high level of service.  This is also likely the last bond that we will ever need. We urge you to vote yes.

Submitted by Allen Alston and Brett Defenbaugh, 

Statement Against

No statement submitted.

Statements in favor of and in opposition to a ballot measure are submitted by committees appointed by the jurisdiction. No persons came forward to serve on the committee and to write a statement in opposition. If you would like to be involved with a committee in the future please contact the jurisdiction.

Download the full text of the resolution