Seattle Fire Fighters Union, IAFF Local 27’s statement on the proposal
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and the City Council are exploring a proposal to create a special fire district to address a projected $175 million budget deficit, Publicola reports.
This plan would move a significant portion of the Seattle Fire Department’s $350 million budget out of the city’s general fund.
If approved by voters, the district could levy new property taxes or “benefit charges,” circumventing the state’s $3.60 per $1,000 property tax cap.
The administration argues that traditional budget cuts are no longer sufficient to bridge the gap without causing massive layoffs or service reductions.
The proposal carries risks, making funding for essential emergency services dependent on periodic public votes, similar to the city’s library and park levies.
Most major US cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago operate their own municipal fire departments governed by the city council and funded through a general fund. However, several large urban areas and major metropolitan hubs do utilize fire districts or fire protection districts, which are independent taxing authorities with their own boards including the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, and Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue serving a large portion of Portland, Oregon. The Orange County Fire Authority is another example.
The Seattle Firefighters Union says it is evaluating the plan.
If passed, the Seattle City Council would likely govern the district, potentially stabilizing the general fund while shifting the financial burden to property owners through a new, separate tax.
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