2010/01/20 Council Agenda Packet

6 RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION encouraging the City of Everett to seek approval from the qualified electors of Everett, at an April 27, 2010, special election, of a levy lid lift to allow the City to continue providing essential Emergency Medical Services. WHEREAS,the City of Everett's (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,the annual growth of regular property tax levies is limited to 1% and the cost of providing EMS has increased at a rate greater than 1%per year; and WHEREAS,the EMS levy rate has dropped from$0.50 per$1,000 assessed value, as authorized by voters in 2000, to $0.31 in 2009 due to the effect of the 101% limit factor; and WHEREAS, current levy revenues are insufficient to allow the City to continue providing emergency medical care and services at existing levels, such that operation of this essential program required an interfund loan for 2010; 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 essential 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 Everett at an April 27, 2010, special election,requesting that the voters authorize a levy lid lift to allow the City to continue providing quality Emergency Medical Services; and FURTHER,that the Council supports such a proposition; and 1t