November 8, 2011

1. November 8, 2011 Proposition 1Levy Lid Lift

2. Geography • 70 square miles • 87,300 population • 5 stations Olympia Yelm Tumwater

3. Incident Responses

4. Our Primary Goal… To deliver the most effective services with the resources available to us However… • Fire District revenues have not kept pace with increases in service demands • Since 2007 our levy rate has grown by only 1.6% • Current financial resources are at critical levels

5. Here is what we’ve done…. • Reduced Staff: 2004-Present • Reduced support staff from 16 to 4 • Cut 1 of 3 senior management positions • Cut 3 firefighter positions • Vacated 3 lieutenant positions • Decreased minimum daily staffing to reduce overtime • Cost Reductions • No cost of living increases for 4 years • Increased deductibles to reduce healthcare premiums

6. Here is what we’ve done…. • Applied and received grants for: • Equipment • Increasing fuel efficiency in our apparatus • Breathing apparatus (SCBA) and mobile data terminals • Staffing • Recruitment and retention of volunteer responders • Six firefighters were hired on a five year grant that expired in 2011

7. What is Proposition 1? • The Board of Fire Commissioners has approved placement of a six year levy lid lift on the November ballot • The ballot measure is to restore the levy to the 2004 level of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value

8. What will it cost?

9. How will Levy funds be used? • Restore staffing • Maintain current insurance rating • Apparatus repair and maintenance • Operational fund balance

10. With Successful Lid Lift Staffing Plan • Restore engine company staffing at Station 35 (near Jubilee) • Stabilize staffing of two apparatus at Station 31 (Headquarters) • Enhance service delivery to the Station 32 area (Lake St Claire/Yelm Highway) • Restoring station resident volunteer firefighter program

11. With Successful Lid Lift Apparatus Plan • Reestablish adequate funding for our equipment repair and replacement program • Establish a cooperative and cost-effective regional maintenance program

12. With Successful Lid Lift Operational Fund Plan • The State Auditor recommended the District maintain a fund balance equal to one month’s operating expenses as a sound financial practice • The Board of Fire Commissioners has developed a plan to reach this goal

13. If the Levy Fails… • Daily staffing will continue to be reduced • Station(s) may be unstaffed Yelm Hwy/St Claire Station 32 Headquarters Station 31 Mullen Road Station 33 Steilacoom Road Station 34 Willamette/Jubilee Station 35

14. If the Levy Fails… • Apparatus needing repairs will remain out of service • Reduced public education and outreach

15. If the Levy Fails… Critical Impacts • Fewer crews available to cover the growing requests for emergency services leads to longer response times • Positive outcomes for medical emergencies or structure fires diminish as response times lengthen. • We will need to request the levy lid lift again

16. Summary • We have run out of adequate funding to continue to provide service at current levels. • Proposition 1 will restore the levy to the voter approved 2004 level • Six years of predictable funding will: • Stabilize station staffing & enhance response capabilities • Fund necessary repairs for response vehicles • Allow compliance with State Auditor fund balance recommendations

17. Questions? For further questions, please contact us: • E-mail info@laceyfire.com • Call 360-491-2410 • Website www.laceyfire.com

18. These are YOUR Fire and Emergency Services. Please remember to mail your ballot before Tuesday, November 8, 2011.