Commissioners approve letter to KVFR about applying a fire protection fee to tax-exempt county structures

The board moved to approve and authorize a letter to KVFR (Kittitas Valley Fire & Rescue) concerning a request from KVFR to assess a fire protection fee on county-owned structures that are tax-exempt. Staff described the letter as a response outlining the county's position and raising discussion points to be considered.

A commissioner moved to approve the letter, and the motion passed during the meeting excerpt provided. One commissioner said the county is consulting the Association of Washington Cities (state association of counties was mentioned) to see whether other agreements exist with fire districts. The motion language in the transcript: "Move to approve. A letter to the department. That was sent." The record shows the motion passed; no vote tally or dissenting remarks are recorded in the excerpt.

Why it matters: the question of whether a fire district may assess fees on tax-exempt county-owned structures involves intergovernmental finance and local revenue policy. The county's letter and coordination with the statewide association could influence how similar assessments are handled elsewhere.

Next steps: staff will continue discussions with the state association and KVFR as the designated contact follows up; the transcript does not include the text of the letter or the county's recommended changes.