Fire district in Lacey to reduce staffing

By Christian Hill | The Olympian • Published May 13, 2008

LACEY – Budget woes will force Lacey Fire District 3 to reduce its daily staffing as early as June 1, likely increasing its response times to fires and requests for basic medical aid.

The district's board of fire commissioners announced Monday that the staffing would be cut to 13 firefighters per day from 16.

The district likely will close one of its three staffed substations, as well, they said.

"This is a very difficult decision for us," said Frank Kirkbride, board chairman, in a news release. "Our operational costs — costs for fuel, utilities, health care benefits for our personnel, and other operational costs — continue to outpace our revenue."

The district plans to scale back hours by eliminating virtually all overtime used to maintain its staffing levels. Emergency medical aid provided by Medic One would not be affected by the cutbacks because it has separate tax funding.

No layoffs are expected this year. That could change for 2009 if voters reject a so-called levy- lid lift measure that the board likely will place on the ballot in August.

"If they don't approve it, it's going to be pretty severe," Chief Jim Broman said of the potential cuts. "It's probably going to mean we're going to lose 12 to 15 people."

In 2001, voters approved an initiative that limited annual increases in property taxes levied by public agencies, including fire districts, to 1 percent, plus any new construction. Fire districts are almost entirely dependent on property taxes to pay their expenses.

Two years later, in the wake of the initiative's passage, the district shuttered two volunteer fire stations, laid off several employees, cut programs and reorganized its operation to reflect the new budget reality.

Voters approved a levy-lid lift a year later, providing the district with a fresh infusion of cash.

Under state law, fire districts can levy a property tax up to a maximum rate of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed value. With the 1 percent limitation in place, however, the levy rate gradually shrinks as the assessed value in the district grows. Voters can approve restoring the levy rate to its maximum.