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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-16 Serial Tax LevyA RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASHLAND SUPPORTING A PROPOSED SERIAL TAX LEVY BY JACKSON COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT NO. 5 AND CLARIFYING AUTOMATIC AID POLICIES RECITALS Jackson County Fire District 5 and the City of Ashland have had a long-standing record of mutual aid and cooperation in both fire suppression and training; and Due to anticipated property tax revenue reductions resulting from Ballot Measure 47, the District is proposing a Serial Tax Levy at the May 20, 1997 election to enable the District to maintain its current levy of fire and EMS protection throughout the District; and The Ashland City Council wishes to publicly state its strong support for the proposed levy in order to maintain the mutually beneficial relationship our two fire agencies have enjoyed for many years. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Ashland as follows: SECTION 1. The Ashland City Council endorses the serial tax levy proposed by the Board of Directors of Jackson County Fire District No. 5, and urges District patrons to support the continued sharing of resources, which have reduced fire insurance premiums for residents of our two agencies, as well as prevented the loss of life and property. SECTION 2. In the event the levy is not approved, the current automatic-aid agreement between the City and District may be amended to provide that fire protection assistance from the City of Ashland will pnly be provided in those instances where the District has already committed a reasonable level of resources to the incident. Under the new arrangement, the City of Ashland would not assume responsibility for replacing District "first response" fire protection resources eliminated by revenue reductions. PAGE 1-FIRE DIST. 5 SERIAL TAX LEVY RESOLUTION [f:resolutio\FDSsrlvy.res) This resolution was read by title only in accordance with Ashland Municipal Code §2.04.090 duly PASSED and ADOPTED this __ Barbara~i.Christensen' City Recorder SIGNED and APPROVED this ~¢ day of day of ~ ,1997 , 1997. Catherine M. Golden, Mayor Approved as to form: Paul Nolte, City Attorney PAGE 2-FIRE DIST. 5 SERIAL TAX LEVY RESOLUTION (f:resolutio\FDSsrlvy.res} ASHLAND FIRE & RESCUE MEMO March 26, 1997 TO: Mayor Cathy Golden and City Council FROM: Keith E. Woodley, Fire Chief SUBJECT: Jackson County Fire District No. 5 Serial Levy On May 20th, 1997, Jackson County Fire District No. 5 will submit a serial levy for for voter approval which is intended to maintain present service levels that will be substantially reduced under the proposed revenue restrictions contained in Ballot Measure No. 47. If this levy is not approved by the voters of the Fire District, it will substantially limit the availability of reserve fire protection resources to the City of Ashland. The City of Ashland and Jackson County Fire District No. 5 have maintained a mutually beneficial reciprocal aid agreement for a number of years. As a result of this arrangement, approximately $500,000 in reserve fire protection resources are provided to the City of Ashland annually in the form of two additional staffed fire engines at no cost to Ashland taxpayers. In exchange for this reserve capability, the City of Ashland provides reserve fire protection resources to the fire district at similar levels. Should the Fire District voters choose to reject the proposed serial levy, the reserve fire protection resource to the city of Ashland will be substantially reduced or eliminated. If this result occurs, the City will need to re-evaluate its long-standing mutual aid agreement with the Fire District. If there is no change to the current operating arrangement between the fire departments, and the Fire District is forced by revenue reductions to close fire stations, or substantially reduce staffing of emergency vehicles, the fire protection capabilities of the City will be pulled frequently into the fire district to replace the loss of "first response" resources. It is reasonable to expect, should this occur, that the length of commitment of Ashland personnel on Fire District emergency scenes will be significantly extended due to inadequate staffing at the scene. This will result in a serious reduction in fire protection resources within the City, which does not occur under the current arrangement. Given the seriousness of the impact of this potential development on emergency services within the City, ! recommend the following actions be taken by the City Council: Memo to Mayor Golden and City Council Members March 26, 1997 Page Two 1. A statement by the City Council publically supporting the JCFD//5 serial levy. 2. Authorization by the City Council of an adjustment to the current automatic-aid agreement between the City of Ashland and Jackson County Fire District No. 5, providing for fire protection assistance from the City only in those instances where the Fire District already has a reasonable level of emergency resources already committed to the incident. Under this arrangement, the City of Ashland will not assume responsibility for replacing Fire District "first response" fire protection resources eliminated by revenue reductions. The City of Ashland and Jackson County Fire District No. 5 have maintained an excellent level of fire protection resource for residents of south Jackson County through a cooperative effort of resource sharing. This relationship has served to minimize financial investment by both agencies, while ensuring a prompt, efficient emergency service delivery system. It is my hope that this partnership will continue in the future through provision of adequate levels of funding by the voters of both jurisdictions.