HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/13/2023 03. City of Yakima EMS Levy Discussion CL"),k.
BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No. 3.
For Meeting of: June 13, 2023
ITEM TITLE: City of Yakima EMS Levy Discussion
SUBMITTED BY: Aaron Markham, Fire Chief
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
At the Council Study Session on May 23, 2023, Council directed staff to add to a future study
session information regarding sending a City of Yakima EMS Levy to voters. Chief Markham and
Director of Finance and Budget Jennifer Ferrer-Santa Ines will present a PowerPoint containing
information on a City EMS Levy.
ITEM BUDGETED: NA
STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Public Safety
APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL BY THE CITY MANAGER
RECOMMENDATION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Upload Date Type
0 PowerPoini Corer Memo
Yakima EMS Levy Facts
• RCW 84.52.069 allows local governments in Washington to impose a
property tax of up to $.50 per $1 ,000 Assessed Value (AV) for
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
• Yakima County's EMS Levy of $0.25/$1 ,000 AV is in effect from
January 1 , 2024 through December 31 , 2029
• This allows the City of Yakima to levy $0.25/$1 ,000 AV
• If approved the City Levy will expire the same date as the County Levy
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Current County-wide EMS Levy Facts
• 2023 estimated revenue $1 ,828,646 (approx. 36%)
• Funds nine (9) FTE Firefighter/EMT positions
• Covers $75,000 in EMS consumable supplies
• Contributes to apparatus replacement reserves
• Renewed during the 2022 general election for a 6 year term
• Passed with a 72.02%
2
EMS Levies in Washington State
• Currently seven (7) Counties have a County-wide EMS Levy (including
Yakima)
• Cities with their own EMS Levy (22)
• No known City/County shared EMS Levies (based on Yakima County
Department of EMS data sheet)
2022 Call typepercentages
Severe Weather&Natural Special Incident Type
Disaster 0%
False Alarm&False Call 0% Fires
5% / 5%
Good Intent Call�— Overpressure rupture,explosion,
3% overheat-no fire
0%
Service Call
9%
Hazardous Condition(No Fire)
2%
W ires
Doverpressure rupture,explosion,overhea
no fire
O Rescue&Emergency Medical Service
•Hazardous Condition(No Fire)
OService Call J Rescue&Emergency Medical
Service
O Good Intent Call 76%
■False Alarm&False Call
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Yakima EMS Levy Estimates
City of Yakima EMS levy estimates
2023 Assessed Value* $ 10,262,855.82
Levy Rate 0.25
Total Tax $ 2,565,713.95
Local governments in Washington State may, with voter approval, impose a property tax of up to $0.50 per $1,000
assessed value for emergency medical services (EMS) under RCW 84.52.069.
The revenues may be used only for the provision of emergency medical care or emergency medical services,
including related personnel costs, training for such personnel, and related equipment, supplies, vehicles and
structures needed for the provision of emergency medical care or emergency medical services (see RCW
84.52.069(5)).
*2023 Assessed Value is based on Regular Value found in
the Yakima County 2023 Levy Report/1,000
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Yakima EMS Levy Potential
• Fund more Firefighter/EMTs out of the EMS (150) Account vs. General
Fund
• Ensure dedicated contributions to apparatus replacement
• Contribute to the Five Year Capital Facility needs of the Fire
Department (currently unfunded)
• Keep up with the cost of EMS supplies
Yakima's Next Steps to Proceed
• A Resolution to add an item to the November 7th ballot must be filed
with the County Auditor by August 1st
• A "pro" committee and a "con" committee must be formally appointed
no later than August 1st
• An explanatory statement along with the statements submitted by the
pro and con committees will appear in the voter's pamphlet