Funds would pay for fire library, EMS
AIRWAY HEIGHTS — An Emergency Medical Services, library, and fire department levy for the city will be on the Aug. 1 ballot.
The proposition includes funding for improved fire and EMS response, according to a city press release.
Two propositions will be on the Aug. 1 primary election ballot to remedy this situation. The first will ask voters to annex into the Spokane County Library District to continue funding the local library.
The second ballot measure asks voters to approve a bond to renovate a property on South Garfield Avenue to include a fire station.
According to information issued by the city police department, emergency call volumes have increased 172% in 10 years.
The city does not collect enough revenue through the general property tax levy to support both the library, fire/EMS, and all other city services, according to the city.
The city is limited to a 1% revenue increase per-year on its general property tax levy, and chose not to collect on this 1% for 4 separate years, allowing the EMS levy to expire in 2021 to help taxpayers during the pandemic, city reports said.
Funding is now needed to maintain library services and improve the city’s fire and emergency medical response.
The library annexation would be on the same ballot, but not take effect until 2025. The library annexation would cost the same homeowner $102 per year/$8.50 per-month in 2025.
The city will receive a $1.3 million state grant to help purchase the building for the proposed fire station if voters approve the bond. This will save taxpayers 15% in project costs.
The city will also sell an existing city facility to help fund renovations and pay the bond back sooner, saving taxpayers additional money, according to the report.
Matthew graduated from West Virginia University-Parkersburg in 2011 with a journalism degree. He's an award-winning photographer and enjoys writing stories about people.
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