Fire Benefit Charge Program For Snoqualmie Pass Fire

1
Fire Benefit Charge ProgramFor Snoqualmie
Pass Fire Rescue
2
How Does the Fire Benefit Charge Work?

• Fire Commissioners establish a formula for
  assessing the Fire Benefit Charge for each
  property parcel
• It is a charge designed to determine the risk of
  a structure and to determine a dollar value of
  that increased risk. Then assess it to the
  property owner as part of the annual revenue
  process.
• For Snoqualmie Pass it is targeting our higher
  risk occupancies in this case, commercial, ski
  clubs, and multi-family structures.
• The FBC can be up to 60 of Operating Budget
• The District continues to collect up to 1.00 per
  1,000 property tax

3
FBC Is Based On Three Major Factors

• Use of Property
• Square Footage
• Number of Stories

4
FBC Formula Is Established By The Fire
Commissioners
5
FBC Formula (cont)
6
How Does The Fire District Initiate The FBC?

• Establish FBC formula based on community profile
  and assessors data
• Obtain a 60 favorable electorate vote
• No previous election validation required
• FBC renewable every 6 years

7
Why Initiate The FBC?

• Establishes a charge commensurate with the risk
  of the occupancy.
• Raises funds specifically from our higher risk
  occupancies for added programs that will address
  those risks.
• Defines a process for determining the impact of
  an occupancy and its associated charge. This can
  be used for other previously exempt structures.
• A method of diversifying revenues.

8
Disadvantages Of The FBC

• It is something new
• Education of public and district members takes
  time
• Original setup is time consuming
• Administrative activity is high during start-up
  and notification phases

9
Advantages Of The FBC

• FBC charges are a property assessment NOT a
  property tax
• The Assessment is based on measurable fire
  service benefits to each parcel
• Voter approval is every 6 years
• Commissioners may adjust the FBC rate and/or
  formula each of the 6 years.
• It is a good basis for determining fees to charge
  previously exempt occupancies such as the DOT and
  Utility District buildings.

10
Questions?
11
More information available at www.snoqualmiepassf
ire.orgFire Chief Matt Cowan
mattc_at_snoqualmiepassfire.org(206) 396-6287Fire
Commissioner Chris Caviezel chris.caviezel_at_snoqua
lmiepassfire.org(425) 434-0899