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Home My WebLink About2024 - Fire Protection District 17 Prop 2024-15 Authorizing Regular Property Tax Levy - Special Election April 23, 2024Whatcom County Auditor's Office Whatcom County Courthouse 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 May 6, 2024 Election Results Receipt Stacy Henthorn County Auditor Amy Grasher Chief Deputy Auditor Copies of the following proposition election results from the April 23, 2024 Special Election, have been delivered to the Assessor's and Treasurer's Office: • Fire Protection District 17, Proposition 2024-15, Authorizing Regular Property Tax Levy Receipt Acknowledged: Assessor's Office: Rebecca Xczar ` Treasurer's Office: ao�= Steven Oliver Date Date Statement of Votes Cast by Geography Page: 1 of 1 Whatcom County, Washington, April Special, Apr 23, 2024 2024-05-02 All Precincts, All Districts, All Counter Groups, All ScanStations, All Contests, All Boxes 16:30:54 Total Ballots Cast: 516. Registered Voters: 1376. Overall Turnout: 37.50% Choice Votes Vote % All Precincts FD 17 Prop 2024-15 Authorizing Regular Property Tax Levy (Vote for 1) 516 ballots (0 over voted ballots, 0 overvotes, 1 undervotes), 1376 registered voters, turnout 37.50% Yes 257 49.90% No 258 50 i O% Total 515 100 00% Overvotes 0 Undervotes 1 STATE OF WASHINGTON ) ) ss COUNTY OF WHATCOM ) This is to certify that on April 23, 2024, there was held a special election in Fire Protection District 17, Whatcom County, Washington, for the submission of a ballot measure to the voters for their approval or rejection. The results of the election were duly canvassed by the Whatcom County Canvassing Board on May 3, 2024, and the results of said canvass are as reads above. Dated thi 6`` day of May, 2024, Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington. Stacy Henthorn County Auditor Final Language Ballot Title Fire Protection District 17 Proposition 2024-15 Authorizing Regular Property Tax Levy The Board of Fire Commissioners of Fire Protection District 17 (the "District"), adopted Resolution No. 374 concerning the District's regular property tax levy. This measure would authorize a regular property tax levy of $1.25 per $1,000.00 of assessed valuation in 2024 (for collection in 2025), and the resulting levy dollar amount would thereafter be used for the purpose of computing the limitations for subsequent levies under RCW 84.55.050. Should this proposal be approved? Yes No Explanatory Statement Fire Protection District 17 (the "District") seeks voter approval to increase its regular property tax levy to $1.25 per $1,000.00 of assessed valuation in 2024 (with collection beginning in 2025), which is an increase of approximately $0.56 per $1,000.00 of assessed valuation. This levy is the District's primary funding source. The District suffered significant flood damage to its fire station in 2022 which needs to be relocated and rebuilt outside the flood zone. Voter approval of Proposition 2024-15 will provide funding to relocate and rebuild the station to maintain the current level of emergency services. District Name: District Address: Contact Person 1 Whatcom County Auditor's Office Ballot Measure Coversheet Whatcom County Fire Protection District No. 17 4332 Sucia Drive, Ferndale, WA 98248 Fire Chief Jime Petrie Name & Title (360) 384-1480 / JimPetrie@wcfd17.org Phone & email [Attorney Information Aaron Haynes Name 360) 543 - 5652 / ahaynes@csdlaw.com Phone & email Contact Person 2 Aaron Haynes, Attorney Name & Title (360) 543 - 5652 / ahaynes@csdlaw.com Phone & email Has your attorney prepared this ballot measure? Yes () No followingre the . Resolution with original signatures or a certified copy Yes No Explanatory Statement prepared by your attorney, not to exceed 100 words Yes 0 No Committee Appointment Forms separate forms for each committee Completed Ballot Measure Coversheet Auditor's Office Use Received By Email FEB 12 2024 Whatcom County Elections Yes 0 No Yes 0 No Missing document(s): I understand that tin sub 'ttal deadline date for the missing documents is W and the Auditor's Office will not begin processing this ballot measure until all documents have been submitted. Proposition itiitiative Number Se Presenter's Signature Deputy Auditor's Signature 7 Reviewed 12/12/2023 RECEIVEf-) WHATCOM COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 17 FE"B 12 2024 RESOLUTION NO. 374 STACY HENTHORN WHATCOM COUNTYAUDITOR AUTHORIZING PROPERTY TAX LEVY A RESOLUTION of the Board of Fire Commissioners (the "Board") of Whatcom County Fire Protection District No. 17 (the "District") providing for the submission to the voters of the District at a special election to be held therein on April 23, 2024, in conjunction with the State special election to be held on the same day, a proposition authorizing a regular property tax levy of One Dollar and Twenty -Five Cents ($1.25) per One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) in assessed valuation. WHEREAS, the District suffered significant damage to its fire station from coastal flooding in 2022 and the Board has determined that the station should be relocated and rebuilt to ensure the District provides continued, uninterrupted fire and emergency medical services; and WHEREAS, the Board of the District recognizes that its provision of fire and emergency medical services is essential and necessary for the protection of the health and life of the residents of the District, which requires expenditure of revenues for maintenance, operations, equipment, and structures; WHEREAS, the last levy lid lift for the District was in 2015, and the current levy rate for the District is approximately Sixty -Nine Cents ($0.69) per One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) assessed value; WHEREAS, the District's levy increases are limited by state law to an increase of one hundred one percent (101 %) per year unless the voters of the District approve a greater increase; WHEREAS, the Board has determined that the costs for the planned capital improvement project to relocate and rebuild the fire station will necessitate the expenditure of funds in excess of those which can be provided by the District's regular tax revenue levied at the current rate as limited by the one hundred one percent (101 %) limitation; and RESOLUTION NO. 374 AUTHORIZING PROPERTY TAX LEVY —1 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, as follows: SECTION 1. The District shall provide fire and emergency medical services, including related personnel costs, training for such personnel, and related equipment, supplies, vehicles, and structures needed for the provision of fire and emergency medical services, as authorized by law. SECTION 2. In order to provide the revenue adequate to pay the costs of maintaining and providing the services described in Section 1, and to assure the continuation and improvement of such services, the District shall, in accordance with RCW 84.55.050, remove the limitation on regular property taxes imposed by RCW 84.55.010, levy beginning in 2024, and collect beginning in 2025, pursuant to RCW 52.16.130 and RCW 52.16.140, general tax on taxable property within the District at a rate of One Dollar and Twenty -Five Cents ($1.25) per One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) of assessed valuation. The resulting levy dollar amount would thereafter be used for the purpose of computing the limitations for subsequent levies under RCW 84.55.050. SECTION 3. There shall be submitted to the qualified electors of the District for their ratification or rejection at an election on April 23, 2024, the question of whether or not such levy shall be made. SECTION 4. The District's attorney is authorized to make such minor adjustments to the wording of such proposition as deemed appropriate or as may be recommended by the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney's Office or the Whatcom County Auditor, as long as the intent of the proposition remains clear and as approved by the Board. SECTION 5. Pursuant to RCW 84.55.050 and 29A.36.071, the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney is requested to prepare the concise description of the aforesaid proposition for the ballot title in substantially the following form: PROPOSITION NO. 1 WHATCOM COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 17 AUTHORIZING REGULAR PROPERTY TAX LEVY The Board of Fire Commissioners of Whatcom County Fire Protection District No. 17 (the "District"), adopted Resolution No. 374 concerning the District's regular property tax levy. This measure would authorize a regular property tax levy of $1.25 per $1,000.00 of assessed valuation in 2024 (for collection in 2025), and the resulting levy dollar amount would thereafter be used for the purpose of computing the limitations for subsequent levies under RCW 84.55.050. Should this proposal be approved? YES.- .. .... ............ 11 NO ........... ..... ........ ❑ RESOLUTION NO. 374 AUTHORIZING PROPERTY TAX LEVY — 2 SECTION 6. The Secretary of the District is directed to (a) certify to the Auditor a copy of this Resolution showing its adoption by the Board by February 23, 2024; and (b) perform such other duties as are necessary and required by law in submitting to the voters of the District at the aforesaid election the proposition of whether such tax levy shall be made. SECTION 7. The Fire Chief of the District is authorized to implement such administrative procedures as may be necessary to carry out the directives of this Resolution. SECTION 8. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect upon passage and signatures hereon. SECTION 9. If any provision of this Resolution is declared by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or illegal, then such provision shall be null and void and shall be severable from the remaining provisions of this Resolution, and shall in no way affect the validity of the other provisions of this Resolution. ADOPTED by the Board of Fire Commissioners of Whatcom County Fire Protection District No. 17, at a regularly scheduled open public meeting thereof this ll:!" day of January, 2024 of which notice was given in the manner provided by law, the following Fire Commissioners being present and voting. WHATCOM COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 17 By: Commissioner By:' torrymissloner By: Commissioner ATTEST: District Secretary RESOLUTION NO. 374 AUTHORIZING PROPERTY TAX LEVY — 3 CERTIFICATION I, the undersigned, Secretary of Whatcom County Fire Protection District No. 17, (the "District"), hereby certify as follows: 1. The attached copy of Resolution No. 374 (the "Resolution") is a full, true, and correct copy of the Resolution duly adopted at a regular meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the District (the "Board") held on the k ff" day of , 2024, as the Resolution appears on the minute book of the District, and the Resolution is now in full force and effect. 2. The regular meeting was held in accordance with law, 3. A quorum of the members of the Board was present throughout the meeting and a majority of those members present voted in the proper manner for the adoption of the Resolution. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this I I day of AN tkiltiz-,Y, 2024. -7;t�l Val Klepac , District Secretary Board of Fire Commissioners RESOLUTION NO. 374 AUTHORIZING PROPERTY TAX LEVY — 4 EXPLANATORY STATEMENT — PROPOSITION NO. Whatcom County Fire Protection District No. 17 (the "District") seeks voter approval to increase its regular property tax levy to $1.25 per $1,000 of assessed valuation in 2024 (with collection beginning in 2025), which is an increase of approximately $0.56 per $1,000,00 of assessed valuation. This levy is the District's primary funding source. The District suffered significant flood damage to its fire station in 2022 which needs to be relocated and rebuilt outside the flood zone. Voter approval of Proposition No. 1 will provide funding to relocate and rebuild the station to maintain the current level of emergency services. RESOLUTION NO. 374 AUTHORIZING PROPERTY TAX LEVY — 5 RECEIVED WHATCOM COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 17 FEB 1211 2024 RESOLUTION NO. 374 STACY HENTHORN WHATCOM COUNTY AUDITOR AUTHORIZING PROPERTY TAX LEVY A RESOLUTION of the Board of Fire Commissioners (the "Board") of Whatcom County Fire Protection District No. 17 (the "District") providing for the submission to the voters of the District at a special election to be held therein on April 23, 2024, in conjunction with the State special election to be held on the same day, a proposition authorizing a regular property tax levy of One Dollar and Twenty -Five Cents ($1.25) per One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) in assessed valuation. WHEREAS, the District suffered significant damage to its fire station from coastal flooding in 2022 and the Board has determined that the station should be relocated and rebuilt to ensure the District provides continued, uninterrupted fire and emergency medical services; and WHEREAS, the Board of the District recognizes that its provision of fire and emergency medical services is essential and necessary for the protection of the health and life of the residents of the District, which requires expenditure of revenues for maintenance, operations, equipment, and structures; WHEREAS, the last levy lid lift for the District was in 2015, and the current levy rate for the District is approximately Sixty -Nine Cents ($0.69) per One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) assessed value; WHEREAS, the District's levy increases are limited by state law to an increase of one hundred one percent (101 %) per year unless the voters of the District approve a greater increase; WHEREAS, the Board has determined that the costs for the planned capital improvement project to relocate and rebuild the fire station will necessitate the expenditure of funds in excess of those which can be provided by the District's regular tax revenue levied at the current rate as limited by the one hundred one percent (101 %) limitation; and RESOLUTION NO. 374 AUTHORIZING PROPERTY TAX LEVY —1 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, as follows: SECTION 1. The District shall provide fire and emergency medical services, including related personnel costs, training for such personnel, and related equipment, supplies, vehicles, and structures needed for the provision of fire and emergency medical services, as authorized by law. SECTION 2. In order to provide the revenue adequate to pay the costs of maintaining and providing the services described in Section 1, and to assure the continuation and improvement of such services, the District shall, in accordance with RCW 84.55.050, remove the limitation on regular property taxes imposed by RCW 84.55.010, levy beginning in 2024, and collect beginning in 2025, pursuant to RCW 52.16.130 and RCW 52.16.140, general tax on taxable property within the District at a rate of One Dollar and Twenty -Five Cents ($1.25) per One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) of assessed valuation. The resulting levy dollar amount would thereafter be used for the purpose of computing the limitations for subsequent levies under RCW 84.55.050. SECTION 3. There shall be submitted to the qualified electors of the District for their ratification or rejection at an election on April 23, 2024, the question of whether or not such levy shall be made. SECTION 4. The District's attorney is authorized to make such minor adjustments to the wording of such proposition as deemed appropriate or as may be recommended by the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney's Office or the Whatcom County Auditor, as long as the intent of the proposition remains clear and as approved by the Board. SECTION 5. Pursuant to RCW 84.55.050 and 29A.36.071, the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney is requested to prepare the concise description of the aforesaid proposition for the ballot title in substantially the following form: PROPOSITION NO. 1 WHATCOM COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 17 AUTHORIZING REGULAR PROPERTY TAX LEVY The Board of Fire Commissioners of Whatcom County Fire Protection District No. 17 (the "District"), adopted Resolution No. 374 concerning the District's regular property tax levy. This measure would authorize a regular property tax levy of $1.25 per $1,000.00 of assessed valuation in 2024 (for collection in 2025), and the resulting levy dollar amount would thereafter be used for the purpose of computing the limitations for subsequent levies under RCW 84.55.050. Should this proposal be approved? YES. ❑ NO.. ... .....❑ RESOLUTION NO. 374 AUTHORIZING PROPERTY TAX LEVY — 2 SECTION 6. The Secretary of the District is directed to (a) certify to the Auditor a copy of this Resolution showing its adoption by the Board by February 23, 2024; and (b) perform such other duties as are necessary and required by law in submitting to the voters of the District at the aforesaid election the proposition of whether such tax levy shall be made. SECTION 7. The Fire Chief of the District is authorized to implement such administrative procedures as may be necessary to carry out the directives of this Resolution. SECTION 8. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect upon passage and signatures hereon. SECTION 9. If any provision of this Resolution is declared by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or illegal, then such provision shall be null and void and shall be severable from the remaining provisions of this Resolution, and shall in no way affect the validity of the other provisions of this Resolution. ADOPTED by the Board of Fire Commissioners of Whatcom County Fire Protection District No. 17, at a regularly scheduled open public meeting thereof this 111 day of January, 2024 of which notice was given in the manner provided by law, the following Fire Commissioners being present and voting. WHATCOM COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 17 By - Commissioner By: r{ om�nissioner B�y: - Commissioner ATTEST: District Secretary RESOLUTION NO. 374 AUTHORIZING PROPERTY TAX LEVY — 3 CERTIFICATION I, the undersigned, Secretary of Whatcom County Fire Protection District No. 17, (the "District"), hereby certify as follows: 1. The attached copy of Resolution No. 374 (the "Resolution") is a full, true, and correct copy of the Resolution duly adopted at a regular meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the District (the "Board") held on the I� day of N U-Pr Y , 2024, as the Resolution appears on the minute book of the District, and the Resolution is now in full force and effect. 2. The regular meeting was held in accordance with law. 3. A quorum of the members of the Board was present throughout the meeting and a majority of those members present voted in the proper manner for the adoption of the Resolution. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this U 'I' day of AN AerjKy 2024. Val Klepac , District Secretary Board of Fire Commissioners RESOLUTION NO. 374 AUTHORIZING PROPERTY TAX LEVY - 4 EXPLANATORY STATEMENT — PROPOSITION NO. Whatcom County Fire Protection District No. 17 (the "District") seeks voter approval to increase its regular property tax levy to $1.25 per $1,000 of assessed valuation in 2024 (with collection beginning in 2025), which is an increase of approximately $0.56 per $1,000.00 of assessed valuation. This levy is the District's primary funding source. The District suffered significant flood damage to its fire station in 2022 which needs to be relocated and rebuilt outside the flood zone. Voter approval of Proposition No. 1 will provide funding to relocate and rebuild the station to maintain the current level of emergency services. RESOLUTION NO. 374 AUTHORIZING PROPERTY TAX LEVY — 5