Fire Service Levy ballot measure info

As Oak Harbor continues to grow and expand, particularly in the southwest area, fire department response times continue to rise. A 7-8 minute response time to the southwest area is not acceptable. 

The City of Oak Harbor has grown, mostly in the southwest area. Since the current fire station was built in 1990, the fire department's coverage area has increased from 3.4 square miles to 9.7 square miles (185%). The station is no longer centrally located. 

Since the 1990's, Oak Harbor's population has increased 43% and the number of homes has grown by 51% (plus an additional 500 homes are now in the building process). Calls for service has increased 91% -- but the number of firefighters responsible for answering calls has only increased by 2. 

Independent studies in 2006 and 2016 found that 25% of Oak Harbor residents live outside of the current target response times and recommended the City build a second fire station and increase staffing to reduce response times and capabilities.

In addition, the City must replace two 24-year-old fire engines. Their replacements will be housed in the new station, one will be replaced with a quint (combination engine and ladder truck).

The two propositions on the ballot work together to fund necessary fire safety improvements. The propositions require different levels of voter consent and must be presented separately. 

Proposition 1:  Levy Lid Lift

• Supports operating expenses of the second fire station, additional staffing, replacement of a 24-year-old fire engine, and necessary personal protective equipment and tools.
• Requires a simple majority (50% + 1) voter approval.
• Will increase annual property taxes by 67 cents per $1,000 of assessed value.

Proposition 2: General Obligation bonds 

• Supports the capital purchases for the project:
  • construction of the second fire station (21-year bond) and 
  • purchase a quint ladder truck (12-year bond).
• Requires a supermajority (60% + 1) voter approval.
• Will increase annual property taxes by 29 cents per $1,000 of assessed value (for length of bonds only).

A General Obligation (GO) Bond is an excess levy imposed over and above regular property tax levies. It is a long-term investment that authorizes the City to make capital purchases. Bonds are sold to investors who are repaid with interest over time from property tax collections. 

GO Bonds carry the lowest interest rates of all debt alternatives available to cities. Issuing bonds for these projects will cost less than utilizing traditional installment financing options.

A “levy lid lift” is a voter-approved action to increase property tax collection by more than the 1% per year “lid” put in place by Initiative 747 in 2001. Specifically, Initiative 747 limits the amount of property tax a jurisdiction may collect to one percent (1%) more per year plus the value of new construction. The limit remains regardless of inflation or population growth or increased demand for service. The only way to exceed that “lid” is with voter consent

General Obligation bonds carry the lowest interest rate of all debt alternatives available to cities. Like all debt, using General obligation bonds allows projects to be completed earlier at a lower cost and lower tax burden then paying cash. 

If citizens vote in favor of the bond financing question on the November 8 ballot, the city will have the authority to issue up to $9.2 million in general obligation bonds for Public Safety.

It's been over 30 years. The city requested a levy/bond in 1989 for the construction of the current fire station on East Whidbey Avenue and the 1992 aerial ladder truck still in service today. 

The projects and needs identified are critical for our City to continue keeping pace with our growth and progress ensuring all residents live in a safe, secure community. If the bond does not pass in November, these projects will continue to be a priority moving forward. The City must save up funds to use cash for the construction of the second station, which would take much longer. Or explore other financing options that often come with a higher cost long-term. 

The Washington Secretary of State has made it simple for military or overseas voters, you have several options for registering to vote, receiving your ballot and returning it.  If you are a military spouse or dependent, and you are away from home because of the military service, you also qualify as a military voter. Learn more on their website.

Additional information in this video from Washington's Secretary of State, "Serving Those Who Serve - A Guide to Military Voting in Washington State."