2004/10/13 Council Agenda Packet

5 WHEREAS,Fire Department support of ALS services started in 1983 with the passage of the first EMS property tax levy(Ordinance No. 837-82) and has primary financial support from the EMS fund with supplemental support,in some years, from the General Fund; and WHEREAS, ambulance transport service has been provided in the City pursuant to contracts with private ambulance companies under the terms of Chapter 5.72 EMC; and WHEREAS,the current EMS funding that is derived from the EMS property tax levy under RCW 84.52.069 is inadequate to provide the required level of service; and WHEREAS,notwithstanding the election on February 29,2000,which mandated the EMS levy to be made permanent, such levy is subject to the operation of the levy limitations imposed under the provisions of Chapter 84.55 RCW,as interpreted by Washington State Attorney General opinion AGO 1993 No. 7 and by the operation of Chapter 1 of Laws of Washington,2002 (Initiative Measure No. 747)which restrict levy amounts to a growth rate that does not keep pace with the cost of providing EMS services; and WHEREAS,the source of.EMS funding is also subject to variation from year to year due to unanticipated changes in the property tax base; and WHEREAS, a stable and secure financial structure is necessary for the City to maintain its EMS medic and current transport service; and WHEREAS,the City Council has determined that those using the current EMS transport service should reimburse the City for the cost of providing the service from insurance and other proceeds; NOW THEREFORE THE CITY OF EVERETT DOES ORDAIN: Section 1. Ordinance No. 2308-98 (Chapter 5.72 EMC) be hereby amended by the addition of the following: 2 19