KCFD28 needs to be accountable

Dear KCFD28,

As a taxpayer. I have been interested in the debate going on regarding the Fire Levy Lid Lift for our district.

I oppose the levy lid lift for many reasons but that does not mean I am against our local fire fighters. Nor does that mean I will be against future levies.

Right now KCFD28 is asking for a significant increase over the current levy for 6 years.  Lets not fail to remember prior to becoming KCFD28 our local fire department was getting $0.87 per $1,000 of assessed value on property.  As soon as they became KCFD28 that rate went up to $1.19.

It has only been two years and the $2million reserved fund is gone and now our district wants to increase the levy to the state maximum amount.

Other districts have had to cut back.  In fact KCFD44 had a levy on the ballot last spring, it did not pass.  Management had to assess their spending and make tough decisions.  I have not heard or read any articles stating that service from KCFD44 diminished in any way.

More money is not going to solve issues of mismanagement and from a business perspective that is what appears to be going on with our district.

The Fire Commissioner Handbook may give free reign to spend money however they see fit but do we really want to see our fire districts become land developers and profiteers of ambulance services?

I do not think real estate investments and taking business away from the private sector to be a good use of tax payer money.  Fire Districts across the state need to change.  It has become such an issue that the Washington State Fire Commissioners Association is addressing Fire District Fraud at this weeks annual conference.

I hope in the future our fire districts will keep in mind the point of view of tax payers when asking me for more money.