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City weighs property‑tax options to close fire/EMS funding gap after poll shows divided support
Summary
Staff urged council to consider a property‑tax ballot measure to cover an estimated $3.7M shortfall for fire/EMS staffing and equipment; polling showed modest city support (56%, within margin of error) and stronger support in the rural district (73%). Council asked staff to refine options (Plan B/Plan C) and to hold public open houses before a final decision.
City leaders presented a detailed funding analysis on Aug. 6 showing an estimated $3.7 million gap for fire and EMS, driven by rising demand, staffing shortfalls and pay‑competitiveness pressures. Finance Director Yvette Gustaf and City Manager Steve Boyd recommended considering a property‑tax ballot measure with a mix of city and rural‑district mills to raise operating and capital funds; staff also showed polling results and alternative mixes to reduce the city share.
Staff proposed an initial Plan A (city 8.4 mills; district 5.8 mills) to fund the full shortfall but noted city polling (56% support) was vulnerable within the margin of error. A lower, adjusted Plan B (city 7.9 mills; district 6.1 mills) would leave a modest shortfall (~$140,000) but strengthen district support and reduce the annual per‑million‑dollars cost to taxpayers. Boyd and Gustaf recommended additional analysis (a Plan C) and a series of open houses in September–October to educate voters and refine language before placing a measure on the November ballot. Council signaled support to continue working on Plan B/C options and asked staff for implementation details and sample ballot language for an upcoming meeting.
