HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-008 RESOLUTION NO. 2011-008
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ARLINGTON SUPPORTING THE ESTABLISHMENT
OF A PERMANENT EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) LEVY AND
ENCOURAGING CITIZENS TO APPROVE CITY OF ARLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
PERMANENT LEVY FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
(PROPOSITION 1)
I
WHEREAS, emergency medical service (EMS)to the residents of the City of Arlington
(the "City") is an essential element of the city's services to its citizens; and
WHEREAS, the City and areas surrounding the City have experienced a rapid growth in
the number of residents; and
WHEREAS, the growing population has resulted in increased need for EMS services;
and
WHEREAS, on September 14, 2004, the voters of the City of Arlington approved an
EMS levy of fifty cents per one thousand dollars of assessed valuation, which levy was effective
for the period from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2011; and
WHEREAS, RCW 84.52.069 authorizes the establishment of a permanent EMS levy
upon approval of the voters; and
WHEREAS, the increasing costs of providing EMS services and the cost of repeated
requests for renewal of levies may not be in the best interests of the citizens; and
WHEREAS, the levy is expiring on December 31, 2011, and therefore the proposed
permanent EMS levy is a replacement for an existing levy and not a new tax or levy; and
WHEREAS, the consequences of failing to pass an EMS levy will result in the reduction
of services which are deemed essential by most of the citizens of Arlington; and
WHEREAS, at an April 26, 2011 special election, the citizens will be asked to consider
City of Arlington Fire Department Permanent Levy for Emergency Medical Services
(Proposition 1); and
WHEREAS, the City Council believes that approving the ballot proposition represents
the most efficient use of public funds and property to provide adequate Emergency Medical
Services for the citizens of Arlington; and
WHEREAS, the City Council complied with the requirements of RCW 42.17.130 by
giving notice of its intent to consider the adoption of this resolution, and by providing an equal
opportunity to speak by those opposing the ballot proposition;
Resolution No. 2011-008 Page 1
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF ARLINGTON AS FOLLOWS:
1. The City Council urges citizens to become informed on all issues, and to vote whenever
given the opportunity.
2. The City Council of the City of Arlington strongly supports the request to establish a
permanent emergency medical services (EMS) levy in the sum of fifty cents ($0.50)per
one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) of assessed valuation, and urges the voters within the
City and surrounding area to cast a"YES"vote on Proposition 1 at the April 26, 2011
election.
Passed at a regular meeting this 41h day of April, 2011.
CITY OF ARLIN N
Ste Bak
Mayor Pr 1'em
Attest:
Kristin anfield
City Clerk
Approved as to form:
St ven J,PeiWle
Ci omey
Resolution No. 2011-008 Page 2