Resolution 1167WSS/ssc
2/22/08
RESOLUTION NO. 1167
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
EDMONDS, WASHINGTON, REQUESTING THE VOTERS
SUPPORT A PROPOSITION TO RESTORE THE CITY'S
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES LEVY TO $.50 PER
$1,000 OF ASSESSED VALUATION
WHEREAS, the Edmonds' voters in 2002 approved an Emergency Medical
Services (EMS) levy of $.50 per $1,000 in assessed valuation; and
WHEREAS, limitations on annual levies have eroded the amount the City may
levy by approximately $.18 ($1.7 million), thereby reducing the voter authorized $.50 to about
$.32; and
WHEREAS, EMS services comprise about 71 % of the call volume for the
Edmonds Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, the total budget of the Edmonds Fire Department for 2008 is
$8,034,353; adjusted by the deduction of Fire Prevention costs, the 2008 budget is $7,776,734;
and
r
WHEREAS, 71% of the adjusted total costs or $5,521,481 represents an accurate
estimate of the cost of Emergency Medical Services; and
WHEREAS, at the current eroded level of $.32, the EMS levy will generate
$2,452,000 requiring a subsidy of $3.069 million from the City's general fund; and
WHEREAS, restoration of the authorized levy to its original $.50 level would
generate an additional $1.7 million reducing the required subsidy to about $1,369,000 for 2009;
and
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WHEREAS, the City's ability to provide essential services is seriously impaired
by the need to subsidize Emergency Medical Services. NOW, THEREFORE,
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS, WASHINGTON, calls
for the support of the Edmonds voters for a levy lid lift to restore the EMS levy to the $.50 per
$1,000 of assessed valuation. This levy lid lift restores the authority originally approved by the
voters in 2002 and frees much needed general fund revenues for their original purposes.
Restoring the EMS levy to the rate previously approved by voters generates far less revenue than
the amount required to provide Emergency Medical Services to Edmonds citizens.
The City Council urges Edmonds citizens to vote and to vote yes on the levy lid
lift for Emergency Medical Services on May 20, 2008. Emergency Medical Service is essential
to maintaining a safe and livable city. Reducing the general fund subsidy enables the City to
remain a full service city, providing the services its citizens expect and demand.
RESOLVED this 26th day of February, 2008.
APPRM-
MA,YOR,
6KY HAAKENSON
ATTEST/AUTHENTICATED :
"er. 4�2�
CITY CLERK, SANDRA S. CHASE
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK: 02/22/2008
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: 02/26/2008
RESOLUTION NO. 1167
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