Lacey City Council to weigh in on resolution supporting Prop. 1

A resolution expressing support of a ballot measure that would authorize up to $98.3 million in general obligation bonds for Lacey Fire District 3 is headed for review.

The Lacey City Council will take up Resolution 1187 at a regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 6.  The resolution is a show of support for Lacey Fire District 3 Proposition 1, a general obligation bond measure on the Nov. 3 General Election ballot. 

If voters approve Proposition 1, the fire district can issue up to $98.3 million in general obligation bonds over time. The bond money would pay for fire stations, a regional live-fire training facility, a logistics warehouse and other capital improvements. 

According to the resolution, the fire district has identified deficiencies in fire station space, response coverage, training resources and storage. Emergency call volumes are also increasing. The gaps should be addressed to improve emergency response as well as community and firefighter safety, the resolution states. 

The district determined existing and anticipated emergency service needs require additional and improved facilities, equipment, training capabilities and infrastructure. 

The resolution adds that Proposition 1 would have an economic and substantive impact on the City of Lacey.

For taxpayers in the district, annual excess property tax levies would repay the bonds. However, council documents do not list an estimated levy rate or the potential cost for an individual property owner. 

City staff recommend approval of Resolution 1187. If adopted, the council would formally support Proposition 1 and encourage voters to approve the measure.

The resolution itself has no fiscal impact on the city, according to a staff report. Council members can reject the proposal, give staff instructions on changes to the process or select another option.  

Before the city council acts, people are going to get an  opportunity to weigh in on the issue. In-person speakers can address the council at Lacey City Hall, 420 College St. SE. Anyone planning to speak must sign up before the session. 

The public can also comment remotely through Zoom by registering in advance. Participants must provide their name, city of residence or connection to Lacey, and the topic they plan to address. 

People unable to attend can submit comments by emailing publiccomment@cityoflacey.org or using the Lacey Contact Page.