The Regional Fire Authority Planning Committee is slated to hold a public hearing focusing on the Fire Benefit Charge (RFA) on January 9.
All committee members preferred holding the public hearing at 6 p.m. to give people ample time to transition virtually to participate in the public process.
The committee will finalize the complete information on Friday.
According to Olympia City attorney Mark Barber, community members may give their testimonies or comments online or in person.
The planning committee held its last public hearing on the RFA on November 14.
Barber explained that the scheduled January public hearing for the FBC was required under RCW 52.26.230.
"The planning committee sets the benefit charges proposed as part of the initial formation of the authority shall hold the public hearing. The hearing has to occur not fewer than ten days, no more than six months before the election, that which the proposition to impose the benefit charge is submitted." Barber cited the state law.
"Now that the matter is moving forward to the ballot in April, the planning committee must conduct this public hearing. It is limited to the benefit charge for people to comment on that," Barber added.
On December 6, both city councils of Tumwater and Olympia passed a joint resolution allowing the formation of the Olympia Tumwater Fire Authority and approving its operations and finance plans, including the imposition of a fire benefit charge.
The joint resolution also allows the cities' voters to approve or reject the creation of the proposed RFA at a special election in April 2023.
Olympia City Manager Jay Burney said both cities are working on updating the RFA website, which will have links to all the documents.
He said the update would also include the FBC calculator. "It is a one-stop shop for folks to get information about the RFA.
Committee member and Tumwater councilmember Eileen Swarthout inquired if the calculator may be ready and demonstrated at the public hearing to show people how it works.
"That is the goal," Burney said. He informed the committee members that they were finishing up the interfaces and that the calculator was close to being ready.
4 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
Southsoundguy
No RFA.
Wednesday, December 14, 2022 Report this
BobJacobs
The Fire Benefit Charge as now proposed would charge poorer people at a higher rate than those of us who are better off. This is unfair and not compatible with this community's values.
Bob Jacobs
Wednesday, December 14, 2022 Report this
JW
What does the comment section propose as an alternative solution after saying no to the RFA and the FBC?
Wednesday, December 14, 2022 Report this
Southsoundguy
Nothing, Olympia has the highest rated fire department in the state.
Wednesday, December 14, 2022 Report this