Resolution 6157 - Laserfiche WebLink

..):04.74147: , tea RESOLUTION NO. 615 7 A RESOLUTION encouraging the City of Everett to seek approval from the qualified electors of Everett, at the 2009 general election, of a levy lid lift to allow the City to continue providing quality Emergency Medical Services. WHEREAS,the City's Emergency Medical Services (EMS)has been providing outstanding paramedic service to the people of Everett since 1982, with the demand for service steadily increasing each year; and WHEREAS, because the annual growth of regular property tax levies is limited to 101% and the assessed value of the City has grown at a rate greater than 101%, the EMS levy rate has dropped from $0.50 per $1,000 assessed valuation, as authorized by voters in 2000,to$0.31 per$1,000 assessed valuation in 2009; and WHEREAS, current funding is insufficient to allow the City to continue providing emergency medical care and services at the level residents expect; and WHEREAS, the City may request voter approval to increase regular property tax levies above the statutory 101%limit factor through a"levy lid lift"; and WHEREAS, in the best interest of the public health, safety, and general welfare it is deemed necessary and advisable that the City request the qualified electors to authorize a levy lid lift so that the City can maintain and improve emergency medical care and services; NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EVERETT encourages the City to take steps to submit a proposition to the qualified electors of the City of Everett on the November 3, 2009 general election ballot requesting that the voters authorize a levy lid lift to allow the City to continue providing outstanding EMS Service; and FURTHER,that the Council supports such a proposition; and FURTHER,that the Council supports appropriate public information efforts to provide voters with accurate information on emergency medical care and services in accordance with applicable election laws. 1