HomeMy WebLinkAboutFS 2016-02-17 Item 2D - Discussion - Annexation to Kent Regional Fire Authority (RFA)City of Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
To: Mayor Ekberg
Finance and Safety Committee
From: Verna Seal, Chair, Finance & Safety Committee
Date: February 11, 2016
Subject: Annexation to the Kent Regional Fire Authority
ISSUE
Should the City of Tukwila move forward with the process to annex into the Kent Regional Fire
Authority at this time?
BACKGROUND
On November 23, 2015, the Regional Fire Authority Annexation Steering Committee presented
to the Council its formal recommendation to proceed with annexation into the Kent Regional Fire
Authority. At the City Council meeting on December 7, 2015, Council directed staff to prepare a
schedule of the proposed annexation including the Kent Regional Fire Authority building three
Tukwila fire stations. On December 14, 2015, Council asked the Administration to prepare a
second version of the Facilities Plan that included the City rebuilding fire facilities.
The January 14, 2016 Memorandum from the Administration to the Finance & Safety Committee
presented the Facilities Plan with two options: one with fire and one without. At the February 2,
2016 Finance & Safety Committee meeting, the Committee tabled the discussion to allow the
Chair to gather more information and to consider the separation of the two issues. This memo
proposes separation of the issues, and asks the Committee to consider a recommendation on
the annexation prior to additional work on the Facilities Plan.
DISCUSSION
The following timeline reflects a proposed Finance & Safety Committee recommendation and
Council decision:
Date
Event
Details
February 17
Finance and Safety
Provide preliminary direction or
recommendation regarding
whether to move forward with the
RFA
February 22
Committee of the Whole
Review Committee direction or
recommendation
March 14
Special Meeting to follow
Preliminarily approve or reject
the Committee of the
annexation into Kent RFA at this
Whole that same night
time
If the Council decides to continue to investigate the annexation option, between March and
June, the Council needs to proceed with a review of budget impacts of RFA funding and
annexation, draft outreach plan, review draft Kent RFA Plan and Interlocal Agreement, review
revisions to Draft Kent RFA Plan and Interlocal Agreement, hold outreach and public hearing
regarding the proposed annexation to the Kent RFA, and take final action on annexation
resolution.
101
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 2
In June, the Kent RFA will need to take action on Tukwila's resolution requesting annexation.
August 1 is the last council meeting to conclude any outstanding items since August 2 is the last
day to file a resolution with King County Elections for the November election. The election
would be November 8.
Should the Council decide not to move forward with the RFA at this time, this option would
remain open to the City in the future and may be revisited at another time.
RECOMMENDATION
Forward the recommendation to the February 22, 2016 Committee of the Whole for discussion
and then to the March 14, 2016 Special Meeting (to follow the C.O.W. that same night) for the
Council to take a preliminary vote as to whether or not at this time it is feasible for the city to
proceed with the annexation process.
ATTACHMENTS
• Draft Review Schedule
• RFA Annexation Steering Committee Recommendation dated November 18, 2015
• Matrix of Council questions dated February 9, 2016
1
DRAFT Review Schedule
Facilities with Fire Annexation OR with Facilities with Fire Retention
Assumes a November Election
Date Event Details
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January 20 Finance and Safety Review and Choose one of the scenarios
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Interim Staff work Staff refines Facilities plan, compiles responses to
Week of Februar 8 Workshop Review draft Facilities Plan
................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Week of Februar 15 Workshop Review Fire operations and facilities
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Interim Staff work Staff refines Facilities plan, compiles response to
• Open houses at fire stations, other locations
• Meetings with key groups
• Media and social media articles
• Mailing to residents
• Hazelnut article (mailed to every home and
business)
• TukTV & website
August 1 Council meeting
August 2 King County
Last Council meeting to meet King County Elections'
deadline. Resolutions„ could ._be..passed earlier..................
Last day to file a resolution with King County Elections for
the November election.
Interim Cam ai n Campaign
........................................................................................................................................................................... ............................... p........... 9...................................................................................................... ............................... ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ...............................
November 8 General Election Voters to approve issuance of a fixed amount of bonds
and to levy the additional tax to repay the bonds
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November 8 General Election Voters to approve the Kent RFA Plan and annex to the
Kent RFA for fire services
White + Green Facilities Plan with Fire Retention
Green +Yellow Facilities Plan with Fire Annexation
103
104
Regional Fire Authority Annexation Steering Committee Recommendation
March 2015 - November 2015
To: Mayor Haggerton & Tukwila City Council
From: Regional Fire Authority Annexation Steering Committee
Date: November 18, 2015
Subject: Potential annexation to the Kent regional fire authority
Recommendation
We find that the positives outweigh the negatives and while not a consensus decision, the
majority of the Committee members recommend moving forward with annexation to the
Kent RFA.
Issue
We are the advisory committee created by the Tukwila City Council in September 2014,
and implemented by the Mayor in February 2015 to further explore the feasibility of
annexing to the Kent Regional Fire Authority (RFA). Our committee work is built on the
work of at least two previous committee efforts that provided preliminary investigations
into the long -term provision of fire - related services in the City of Tukwila.
Per the direction from the City Council, the Committee was made up of representatives
from the residential, business, and firefighter communities, as well as two Council
representatives. Non - voting Kent RFA staff were represented as well as Tukwila staff who
provided information and support. The Committee members include:
Tukwila City Council Representatives:
• Joe Duffie
• Verna Seal
Resident Representatives:
• Jessica Jerwa
• Jerry Thornton
• Kathleen Wilson
Business Representatives:
• Genevieve Christensen /Becky Smith, Westfield Southcenter
• Roxanne Knowle, CBRE
• Mark Segale, Segale Properties
Firefighter Representatives:
• Merle Brooks
• Alan Codenys
• Dawn Judkins, Tukwila Fire Department Union President
November 19. 2015
Page 1 of S
Regional Fire Authority Annexation Steering Committee Recommendation
March 2015 - November 2015
Non - Voting Kent RFA Representatives:
• Mike Denbo, KCFPD 37 Commissioner and Kent RFA Board member
•
Jim Schneider, Kent RFA Chief
• Ray Shjerven, Kent RFA Union President
• Brian Snure, Kent RFA Board attorney
Non - Voting City of Tukwila Staff:
• Moira Bradshaw, Project Manager
• Vicky Carlsen, Deputy Finance Director
• David Cline, City Administrator
• Chris Flores, Interim Fire Chief
Process of Review
We met monthly from March 2015 to November 2015 and studied the service levels,
programs, operations, facilities, budgets of the Tukwila Fire Department and the Kent RFA.
There were two sub - committees - Finance and Governance - that provided the full
committee with their work and recommendations. We toured the fire stations and support
facilities of both organizations,
Deliberation
The decision is difficult and the issue is complicated. Findings are listed below that
summarize both the positives and negatives that we found when studying the issue.
We also reviewd the Draft of the Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority Plan -
Tukwila Amendment. This document is a "charter" for the RFA and outlines how the
organization operates, governs, is funded and the intricacies of the annexation. The
Tukwila Amendment contains the substance of and details associated with the potential
annexation.
November 19. 201%9N,emher 18.. 2015
106
Page 2 of 5
l
Regional Fire Authority Annexation Steering Committee Recommendation
March 2015 - November 2015
Findings
YES
Kent RFA as a partner agency
We believe that moving Tukwila from a local to a regional provider of fire and
emergency medical (EM) services is good for the community. Specifically, we believe
that the Kent RFA is an organization that will provide excellent service and
management of those services and that moving to this model will provide better
services to the Tukwila community.
2. The Kent RFA is a successful, highly competent, nationally accredited regional
service provider.
3. A regional model can be more geographically efficient in distributing fire resources,
and is more economical because of the dollar savings that come from purchasing in
larger quantities and having a smaller overall number of administrators.
4. For decades, the City of Tukwila has been successfully collaborating with the Kent
RFA, through such programs as the Zone 3 partnership and mutual aid agreements.
Formalizing this relationship through merging into the RFA seems like a natural
next step.
5. Since 2012, the City of Tukwila has enjoyed enhanced collaboration with the Kent
RFA through the South King County Fire Training Consortium, sharing training
personnel, systems and methods.
6. The RFA allows the City to better collaborate with other local communities -Kent,
Covington, and unincorporated King County - in providing fire services to our
communities and will share governance.
7. The City of Tukwila will have three voting members on the Governing Board and
will become an owner partner in the organization similar to other successful
partnerships such as the South Correctional Entitey (SCORE) and Valley
Communication Center.
Regional fire authority funding model
B. To ensure that fire and emergency services continue to be delivered to the City of
Tukwila community at existing or improved levels, there is a shared belief that
proportionally allocating cost is more equitable for the community. To that end, the
Kent RFA utilizes a benefit charge funding system that may be used to fund up to
60% of the RFA's operating expenses.
November 19. 201 November- 18, 2015
Page 3 of 5
Regional Fire Authority Annexation Steering Committee Recommendation
March 2015 — November 2015
The Kent RFA approaches capital funding through an annual dedication of money
into a reserve fund to ensure there is a financial plan for the agency's capital needs.
The funding package prepared for the potential annexation includes a 20 year
capital improvement plan that includes the reconstruction and enlargement of three
of the City's fire stations and significant remodel and maintenance of the fourth
station as well as equipment and apparatus replacement and additions to meet
growth. Given the significant capital needs associated with the provision of fire
service in the City of Tukwila, and the fact that the City does not currently have a
plan to address them, the annexation to the RFA meets this critical need.
10. Through annexation to the RFA for fire services, the City has greater financial
flexibility and resources are available to address its on -going operational and long
term financial needs.
11. The need to go out to voters every six years ensures accountability and agreement
on fire service levels.
12. The City of Tukwila will not need to ask the community for approval of a Fire Station
construction bond.
Service levels
13. Consolidation of the City of Tukwila and the Kent RFA provides greater flexibility in
designing and opportunity for deploying an effective response force and provides
additional services to the Tukwila community, such as non - emergency medical
services.
14. The RFA will be able to provide more staff resources to back -up vacation, sick and
disability, thereby reducing overtime stress, cost and increasing service in
Prevention and EM.
15. The Kent RFA is in the forefront of providing a non- emergency medical program
called FD cares that will enhance services within the Tukwila community.
Findings
NO
City fire department vs. regional
1. Tukwila can be better served by continuing to operate as a local provider of fire
suppression and emergency management services. Although the Kent RFA is an
excellent organization, the higher cost and lack of full community control outweighs
the benefits.
November 19. 2015�;evecnbef 18, 2015
1:
Page 4 of 5
Regional Fire Authority Annexation Steering Committee Recommendation
March 2015 - November 2015
2. Having a municipal fire department as one of the many overall functions within the
City sets up appropriate checks and balances to costs and allows better coordination
of services.
3. Although for the past five years the City and the Tukwila Fire Department have been
searching for alternatives to service provision, refocusing and committing to the
City as a provider is a viable solution. We think that the City can overcome
challenges through adequate funds and direction.
4. The governance of the Kent RFA includes a majority of people from outside the City
of Tukwila. The need to involve City Councilmembers in one more function means
they have less time and focus for City related issues.
Loss of affordability, competitiveness, and control
S. The overall cost of the regional provider is more expensive. The fire benefit charge
will make Tukwila less competitive and less attractive a business location than other
areas outside of the Green River Valley.
6. The need to pay for a ballot measure to renew the fire benefit charge every six years
is an additional expense and creates uncertainty for the provision of fire services.
7. The fire benefit charge will make affordable housing less so.
8. The overall cost of the Kent RFA versus Tukwila is five cents per $1,000 assessed
value. Some of that community-wide savings could put towards the identified needs
of the Department.
9. We believe that Tukwila's identity in the region and within the community will be
diminished if the City no longer has its own fire department
Service levels
10. The loss of the current routine business inspections, which is not a service of the
RFA, will result in a less safe community.
November 19. 201 ,
Page 5 of 5
110
City of Tukwila - City Council — DRAFT - Q &A RFA Annexation Matrix
February 9, 2016
1.
10/14/1
5
Quinn;
Seal
What happens to the City's budget
- Attachment A - with and without
the Fire Department? We would
like to see what happens with the
"do nothing option."
Attachment A has been updated to show the end -of -the -year (2015) budget amendments and show the "do
nothing" option and is attached.
An Attachment A — W/O Fire has not been produced and needs direction from the City Council on
assumptions; for example on the financing mechanisms to be used for capital facility replacement.
2.
12/7/15
Quinn
What is the City's financial
situation?
As shown in Attachment A, changes have been made to reflect updated costs — both operational and changes to
capital for street projects - and revenues as of January 2016. The end result is that there is a reserve fund
balance of $1.8 million. This does not adequately address the identified capital needs that must be addressed
per recommendations in the Draft Essential Facilities Plan.
3.
12/4/15
email
Hougardy
Who voted for, and who voted
against the RFA?
Tukwila City Council
Joe Duffie, City Councilmember — No — wanted to get broad public feedback before deciding
Verna Seal, City Councilmember - Yes
Fire Union Members
Dawn Judkins, President Local 2088 - Yes
Alan Codenys - Yes
Merle Brooks - Yes
Residential Community Members
Jessica Jerwa - Yes
Jerry Thornton - Yes
Kathleen Wilson — Yes, but with a limitation on City property taxes
Business Community Members
Roxanne Knowle, Senior Real Estate Manager, CBRE Yes —but with a limitation on City property taxes
Mark Segale, Segale Business Park - No
Becky Smith, Westfield - No
4.
12/4/15
email
Hougardy
What were the RFA Annexation
Steering Committee's primary
arguments (briefly)?
Moving from local fire service to the Kent RFA would be good for the community because they are a national
leader and would provide excellent management and service to Tukwila. This recommendation is located in
the later part of the Council Updates section of your binder.
5.
12/4/15
email
Hougardy
What kinds of impacts or changes
would there be for current
firefighters regarding
- Contracts
- Salaries
- Benefits
There are three categories of employees within Fire Department (9/15) — (3) non - represented, (4) Teamsters
and (63) IAFF 2088.
The Union firefighters will be asked to vote on a contract that is essentially the current Kent RFA contract with
amendments yet to be drafted.
A salary and benefits comparison table is attached. — Attachment B
6.
12/7/15
Do the Rank and File want to do
this? Have they been included?
The IAFF 2088 are working with their counterparts at the Kent RFA. They will hold a vote when they have
resolved their issues with the Kent RFA.
The President of the Local and two members of IAFF 2088 were part of the City's Kent RFA Annexation
Steering Committee and voted Yes to support annexation to the RFA.
Copies of the Kent firefighter's contract and operating procedures as well as Tukwila's Kent RFA Annexation
Steering Committee binders are in each of the fire stations.
There have been two series of meetings with all three shifts of the Tukwila Firefighters that included
discussions with Chiefs, Union presidents and Deputy Operations Chief
7.
12/4/15
email
Hougardy
Financial impact to residents:
Explain the two parts of the RFA
fees (Fire benefit charge, and
property taxes)
Washington State fire districts and regional fire authorities are authorized to levy up to $1.50 per $1,000 AV.
They may choose to levy up to $1.00 per $1,000 AV and a benefit charge (hereinafter referred to as an FBC,)
which is not a funding source that is available to cities. (Unless a city were to annex an existing fire district.
RCW 35.13.256)
N City of
February 9, 2016
8.
• Do these two Kent RFA revenue
sources include bonding for
Tukwila's capital project needs?
• If a bond is needed, will that
increase taxes and fees? Will the
public be able to vote to approve
the bond?
The Kent RFA Governing Board's financial policy is to pay for capital needs with its basic source of revenue,
which are property tax plus FBC.
They propose to issue a non -voted bond for construction of Tukwila stations but the income from the City
property owners, developers and the City itself would be used to finance the bond. The Kent RFA has
increased the proposed FBC to include the repayment of the bond principal. All capital costs are incorporated
into the estimates that are provided and available.
9.
12/7/15
email
Hougardy
Briefly explain the FBC formula (I
get the gist of it)
The square root of structural square footage x 18 x the type of use x fire flow factor x response factor x
risk/regional use factor x discount for alarms /sprinklers.
10.
12/7/15
email
Hougardy
"FBC Formula shall be reasonably
proportioned to the measureable
benefits to property."
Explain this.
A benefit charge is authorized by state law and is defined as, the actual benefits resulting from the degree of
protection, which may include, but is not limited to, the distance from regularly maintained fire protection
equipment, the level of fire prevention services provided to the properties, or the need of the properties for
specialized services„"
11.
12/7/15
email
Hougardy
The FBC takes the place of the
third 50 cent property tax levy.
Explain this. It's imposed on
improvements to real property.
What does this mean?
Regional fire authorities and fire protection district have the option of levying a $1.50 per $1,000 of AV or
levying up to $1.00 of property tax and asking its voters to approve a FBC. The FBC calculation is based upon
the type and size of structures on a parcel and not on the size or value of the land upon which the structure sits.
The FBC must be renewed by voters every 6 years. If a renewal fails at the polls, the maximum statutory rate
would go back up to $1.50 until such time as the FBC would be renewed by 60% of the voters.
12.
12/4/15
email
Hougardy
How is the fire benefit charge
assessed for residential properties?
How much will be assessed?
The last page of the finance section of the notebooks is the table that shows the formula for the FBC
calculation. It includes five different size categories for single family homes. The larger the category the higher
the FBC. Homes that have alarms and sprinklers receive a discount and low income seniors and disabled
continue to receive the same discount they receive on property taxes.
13.
12/4/15
email
Hougardy
How is the fire benefit charge
assessed for commercial
properties? How much will be
assessed?
The square footage of all structures on a parcel are aggregated and placed into one of 21 different square feet
size categories. Each structure is assigned one of five "hazard" categories that address the amount of
flammables and gases stored on site. Discounts are also given for automatic and manual alarm and sprinkler
systems. See the "Kent Regional Fire Authority — Tukwila Service Area Benefit Charge Formula table on the
last page of the finance section of the binder.
14.
12/4/15
email
Hougardy
• By what amount can the FBC
be increased in the future?
• Does it require taxpayer
approval?
• If not, who approves the tax
increases?
• How often can it be raised?
• What is the ceiling on the
amount that can be charged?
Can that ceiling be raised?
How?
There is no limit on how much the FBC can increase. However, the control is that the total FBC cannot be
more than 60% of the overall operating budget.
The taxpayer is given an opportunity every six years to vote on the use of a benefit charge.
The Governing Board may change the formula on an annual basis during the budget process provided it does
not exceed 60% of the operating budget.
The ceiling is 60% of the budget and cannot be raised.
15.
12/4/15
email
Hougardy
If voters do not approve the FBC
during a 6 year renewal, what
process would take place to ensure
Tukwila had fire services?
The Kent RFA would make more than one attempt to renew the benefit charge. It is appeared that the voters
were unwilling to approve the benefit charge then the Governing Board could modify the level of service to
what can be provide with their current property tax levy rate. In order to levy the full $1.50 they would need
voter approval for a levy lid lift. This is because even though their maximum statutory levy rate would increase
City of Tukwila - City Council — DRAFT - Q &A RFA Annexation Matrix
February 9, 2016
to $41.0, the total increase in revenue is still limited to the 1% increase per "Limitations Upon Regular
Property Taxes" RCW 84.55
16.
1/20/16
F &S
Kruller
Is it true that the RFA can increase
costs dramatically within the six
year authorization window?
The benefit charge may be changed each year by the Governing Board (up to 60% of the operating budget) to
balance the budget of the RFA.
17.
11/10/1
5
Work
session;
12/4/15
email;
12/7/15
Kruller
Hougardy
What kinds of financial relief can
the city provide for property
owners, both business and
residential, if the RFA is
approved?
Is there a way to provide City tax
relief in order for there to be a net
cost neutral impact on citizens?
The City may change any of its revenue raising mechanisms; however, the property tax is the vehicle that is
universal to all taxpayers within the City.
In the Finances section of your binders, are 13 examples of Initial Cost Analysis for Fire Services. They show
the results if the City reduces its property tax levy rate to create an option that is as "cost neutral" as possible.
18.
12/4/15
email
Hougardy
It has been said that the RFA
assessment is a detraction to
businesses, because of the
increased costs. What is the cost
benefit that can be presented to a
business locating in a jurisdiction
with an RFA?
For most companies, locational decisions are complicated and a variety of factors are used in making a
decision. The costs and benefits are similar to those for any taxpayer in the City and are reflected in the Pro
and Con statement.
In looking at the table for the benefit charge, certain types of businesses will have higher costs associated with
the RFA.
19.
12/4/15
email
Hougardy
What services will Tukwila still
need to budget for and provide
(such as business inspections)?
• Administration and enforcement of the International Fire Code;
• Investigation of cause and origin of fires and prosecution; and
• Emergency management.
Annual business inspections are typically conducted by the Operational shifts and in the Kent RFA the
operational shifts do not conduct annual inspections.
20.
12/7/15
email
Hougardy
Explain the Levy limits, how it is
calculated, and its parameters.
Please refer to your binders. The first presentation in the Finance tab has a section on the basics of property
taxes including limits and calculations. The property tax section starts on slide 21 of the presentation.
21.
12/7/15
Hougardy
Would a later election be better in
order to get a better voter turnout?
The general election typically has a higher voter turnout and voters who are less cost sensitive. During the last
Presidential election in 2012 there was a minimum of 70% voter turnout whereas in the last November 2016
election voter turnout was 35 %.
In addition to voter turnout, the cost of the election varies. An August election will cost from $10,000 to
$12.000 whereas a November election will cost from $8,000 to $10,000.
22.
12/7/15
Ekberg
Should Tukwila wait on its
decision until after the Kent RFA
FBC reauthorization vote?
There is no deadline for the City of Tukwila decision. The information that is part of the discussion and public
outreach are based upon 2016 figures.
23.
12/7/15
Kruller
What are the risks if we miss
August, November, April
All three dates allow the City and Kent to proceed to an operational effective date of January 2018. As time
continues the information generated becomes outdated and will need to be revised.
24.
12/7/15
Quinn
If we don't go to an April vote —
who will be providing ballot
information — is for example the
Firefighter Union in a position to
advocate in an election.
Dawn Judkins, President of the Local IAFF 2088 stated at the 12/7/2015 Council meeting that they are a small
local and that their campaign would benefit from the April 2016 Renton RFA incorporation vote and the Kent
RFA FBC vote because they could combine other resources with other jurisdictions. Staff is unable to speak
to if and how the Union could support a non -April 2016 ballot measure. The City has the ability to provide
factual information to residents and other stakeholders.
25.
12/7/15
Kruller
What is likelihood of getting to a
NA
City of
February 9, 2016
decision by end of February?
26.
12/7/15
Seal
If the RFA isn't the solution, what
is? Where /how is Tukwila going to
provide additional/adequate
funding to maintain fire facilities
and operations?
A voted bond option has been created to show how the three fire stations and upcoming apparatus purchases
can be financed by the community if the Kent RFA annexation option is not selected.
In general, assessed valuation and sales tax revenue increases in growth years and reserves during non - growth
years are able to sustain the current operations of the City; however, the City has not been adequately funding
its capital improvement program. The City is now engaged in a process to replace multiple facilities in a fairly
compressed time frame.
27.
12/7/15
Quinn
What are we going to do with fire
service if we don't annex to the
RFA?
The Kent RFA Annexation Steering Committee agreed that changes should be considered; such as support,
improved facilities, and stable leadership. Administration is committed to having a world class fire service and
will come back to the City Council with proposed changes.
28.
12/7/15
Duffie
Can the Tukwila Fire Department
be better and make changes that
include some of the advantageous
programs of the Kent RFA and
how much will it cost?
How to change and improve the Fire Department are unknown and would require a different type of study and
review. If the Kent RFA is not chosen as an option, then proposals for change will be brought back to the
Council for their consideration.
29.
12/7/15
Ekberg
What additional information will
the Council receive prior to their
workshop on this issue?
This matrix and its Attachments is the first version of the questions submitted so far. As Council submits
additional questions, matrix updates will be provided.
30.
12/7/15
Ekberg
Do the Cost Example sheets
include all the costs, such as the
Fire Marshall's division? How
does this impact the financial
assessment?
The "Initial RFA Cost Analysis for Fire Services" examples do include the costs for the Fire Marshal's
services and Emergency Management. Those costs will continue to be paid for by the City and are calculated
with an expectation of contracting with the RFA for those services.
31.
12/7/15
Robertson
What will the staff cost be in 2016
be to continue this RFA
investigation and review?
Dedicated staff time for the year would be about $100,000 and includes a project manager and finance
department analysis.
32.
1/20/1
6
F &S
What is the cost of outreach; hard
and soft costs?
Most of the hard cost associated with an outreach effort is folded into existing publications and methods;
however, we anticipate two specific mailings that would cost up to $8,000 - $10,000. The soft costs are
primarily lost opportunity costs of staff time devoted to these issues as opposed to other priorities of the City.
33.
12/7/15
Robertson
Would like any fact sheets and
mailings to the public to be
approved by Council before they
are distributed.
Comment noted
34.
12/7/15
Duffle
How are we going to reach out to
residents and get their input?
A broad outreach plan that includes, print, open houses, and video would be conducted. See Attachment C
for a Draft Outreach Plan.
35.
12/7/15
Kruller
What is the return to the average
tax payer for the additional cost?
A higher response force (15 -17 firefighters versus 14) will be immediately dispatched to a fire. Access to FD
Cares a non - emergency medical assistance program will be available for residents. There will be enhanced
regional cooperation in the event of a large disaster and for on -going planning and preparation. The three
oldest Tukwila fire stations will be replaced and a dedicated reserve of capital will be created for apparatus
replacement.
36.
12/7/15
Kruller
Hougardy
Are the "No RFA" statements and
calculations correct? Who is
wrong and why? Should Bernard's
statements be added to the matrix?
With a response yes or no.
We are reviewing the video, print media and public comments that Mr. Bernard has made and distilling the
opinions from facts. When completed, that summary will be provided to the Council.
37.
1/20/16
F &S
Kruller
What is real in what Mr. Bernard
says and what is not true?
Until Tukwila policy decisions are made, it is difficult to address cost assertions directly as there are multiple
choices before the City Council. Statements by Mr. Bernard on cost are different from City estimates. At a
City of Tukwila - City Council — DRAFT - Q &A RFA Annexation Matrix
February 9, 2016
minimum, he makes assumptions about the City property tax rate, which are inaccurate and premature.
38.
12/7/15
Kruller, Quinn
What is the actual cost to operate
For 2015, operation actual costs were $10,205,000 (which includes indirect costs) Attachment D is a Cost
1/20/16
the Tukwila Fire Department as it
Comparison Worksheet that provides the "apples to apples" comparison with the Kent RFA as well as capital
F &S
exists today (versus the regional
model) and how does it affect this
discussion
costs.
39.
12/7/15
Quinn
What is the true cost of providing
fire service (including capital)
over a projected six year period?
Attachment D - A Cost Comparison Worksheet (1/26/2016) - has been updated with City of Tukwila actuals
for 2015 and includes the indirect costs and capital needs.
The City's multiplier shows that in six years operational costs will increase to $11,886,856.
40.
12/7/15
Quinn
When is the drop dead time frame
for major capital costs needs?
Although there is no deadline for when the facilities must be done, a structural crisis could occur at any time
due to an earthquake and impact the ability of the City emergency responders to survive and respond.
41.
12/7/15
Quinn
Why is the City still considering
the RFA now?
The desire to maintain the high level of service in the face of declining revenue and increasing costs.
42.
12/7/15
Kruller
What is the important information
that we are missing or not asking?
The Council are asking the important question: if not the RFA, than what changes and costs will the City incur
in order to maintain the current fire services and how will the City pay for the capital needs of fire service?
43.
11/10/1
Quinn
What happens to taxes if we don't
No tax changes are proposed if the City does not annex to the Kent RFA, unless the City chooses to fund the
5 work
annex to RFA?
proposed capital facility needs including fire station replacement.
session;
44.
1/20/16
Kruller
How did public safety end up in
The Facilities Steering Committee made public safety the first priority for the facilities plan. However, the
F &S
front of public works in the
Facilities Plan recommendation?
public works shops are scheduled as a part of the plan to go forward only one year after the public safety
building is initiated.
45.
1/20/16
In the past, haven't we done pay as
Yes, we have done `pay as you go' in the past. However, there are significant equipment and apparatus costs
F &S
you go for equipment as opposed
to bonding for it as shown in
upcoming and because of opportunity to do a public safety bond, those Fire capital costs could be paid with the
bond proceeds.
Option B?
46.
1/20/16
What should be the real property
Zillow Summary: The median home value in Tukwila is S263,200.
F &S
assessment on the comparison
table for an average Tukwila
homeowner?
Trulia Summary: The median sales price for homes in Tukwila WA for Oct 15 to Jan 16 was $237,000 based
on 41 home sales.
Redfin Summary: As of January 25, 2016, the last 90 days of Tukwila real estate trends show the median sale
price at S273,000.
47.
1/20/16
How much Tukwila tax revenue
Personal property is about 18% of the total taxable assessed value of the City and according to 2015 tax year
F &S
results from personal property?
values, the City received $2.5 million in tax from personal property.
48.
1/20/16
Kruller
What would the cost be for
The amount is unknown at this time, as well as whether Tukwila's call volume would warrant such a program.
F &S
Tukwila if we decided to
implement FD Cares here?
49.
F &S
Kruller
How many people are in the
KRFA Logistics Division?
Logistics is located within the Support Services Division of the Kent RFA. The Logistics section is comprised
of 5.7 FTE. Support Services also include a 2.0 FTE Planning section, a Communications and Government
Relations Manager, and a Grant Coordinator.
50.
1/20/16
If voters say no on bonds to
If the voters say no to financing City facilities with a voted bond, the City would need to look at alternate
F &S
construct public safety building(s,)
what's the impact to property
owners?
revenue options to pay for capital facilities.
12/7/15
Seal
A 19% increase in call volume between 2011 and the end of 2015 frequently requires response from units outside of
-la) City of
February 9, 2016
(-5
their response areas, for example, Station 52 responding to a call in the Southcenter area instead of Station 51. and
attempts to manage funding within budget have had the greatest effect on response time and staffing levels.
2/8/16
Hougardy; New
Councilmember
Briefing
Are calls for service going up
higher in commercial versus
residential areas?
2/8/16
Hougardy; New
Councilmember
Briefing
What would City pay in FBCs for
City facilities?
Attachments
A
Financial Planning Model with Fire Department — (Attachment A)
B
Salary and Benefits Comparison Table
C
Draft Outreach Plan
D
Updated Cost Comparison Worksheet (1/26/16)
(-5