University Place, Lakewood Residents to Vote on $22 Million Maintenance Levy for Fire Services this August

University Place and Lakewood residents who live within West Pierce Fire and Rescue’s boundaries will be asked to vote on a property tax increase this August, to maintain current levels of fire service.

The fire district last approved a 2-year fire levy in 2011 for $17.9 million, which funded approximately 25 percent of the district's operating budget in 2012 and 2013.

If voters approve this levy, WPFR would receive a percentage of property taxes within the district, totaling $22,348,276 in 2014 and 2015. This would fund approximately 38 percent of the district's operating budget and would avoid staffing reductions or a reduction in service.

This levy would cost the average homeowner in the district about $1.60 per $1,000 of assessed home value in 2014 and 2015.

Recently appointed WPFR Chief Jim Sharp told Patch that his department has faced a significant decrease in assessed property value within the district--about 17 percent over the last two years.

"Our biggest struggle, like everyone, is facing the declining economy. While this is a larger levy request than last time, it is not just to drive up an increase in cost, but to offset decline, said Sharp. "The assessed property value in the district has dropped a lot more than we projected during the last levy request."

While tightening belts, keeping up with the "highly urban" nature of Lakewood and UP is a constant challenge, said Sharp.

"We have a high call volume, compared to assessed value," said Sharp. "We respond to approximately 14,000 calls per year in the second- and fourth-largest cities in the county. That's what drives our service needs."

As this $22 million levy accounts for a projected 38 percent of the 2014-2015 operating budget, WPFR would be forced to make significant cuts if voters do not approve it.

"This makes up for a significant amount of our daily budget. Certainly if we fail this levy, the department would definitely have layoffs of some measure and reduced services of some measure... and possible station closures," said Sharp.