SB 5326-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Finds that: (1) The ability to respond to emergency situations by many of Washington state's fire protection jurisdictions have not kept up with the state's needs, particularly in urban regions;

(2) Providing a fire protection service system requires a shared partnership and responsibility between the federal, state, local, and regional governments and the private sector;

(3) There are efficiencies to be gained by regional fire protection service delivery while retaining local control; and

(4) Timely development of significant projects can best be achieved through enhanced funding options for regional fire protection service agencies, using already existing tax authority to address fire protection emergency service needs and new authority to address critical fire protection projects and emergency services.

Declares that all powers, duties, and functions of a participating fire protection jurisdiction pertaining to providing fire protection services may be transferred, by resolution, to the regional fire protection service authority.

Provides that the governing board of a regional fire protection service authority may by resolution, as authorized in the plan and approved by the voters, for authority purposes authorized by law, fix and impose a benefit charge on personal property and improvements to real property which are located within the authority on the date specified and which have received or will receive the benefits provided by the authority, to be paid by the owners of the properties.