MARYSVILLE – The City Council will be deciding among four plans at its special meeting Wednesday, Aug. 3.
The first two are city-run departments, one still contracting with Fire District 12 and the other without.
An analysis of the first option is the city could provide fire service at or above current levels of service, but over time city staff would need to reduce costs or achieve great revenue somewhere in the city’s general fund. It would start having issues with its reserves in 2025.
The second option would be even tougher on the city budget, as it would lose the contract with District 12. That would deplete other city services and deplete the reserve by 2023.
The other two options are for a Regional Fire Authority. As the chart shows they are more expensive.
The third option would form an RFA with District 12. It would require maximum levies and a levy lid lift. Still, the reserve would be depleted by 2021.
The fourth option would be an RFA with District 12, but would include capital improvements that correspond with the city’s needs to reconstruct or remodel the city’s Public Safety Building for police and jail operations.
Another option for the future would be a possible RFA with the city of Arlington. The cities already have adjoining service area in the Smokey Point area, with water and fire service. There is also a joint economic development planning in the north end.
Arlington is in discussions with Fire Districts 19, 21 and 22. They are exploring formation of a rural fire district.
City Fire Option 3-1
Property taxes: Average increase 4%
Wage and benefits: 3.8% increase
Added staff: 1.5 a year
Fire revenue: Equal to Fire 12
Fire expenses: Equal to Fire 12 (apparatus $100,000)
Public safety fire ($15 million, 30 years): $32.75 a year
Regular levy: None
EMS levy: $25 annually
Property tax ($250,000 home): $62.07
City Fire Option 3-2
Property taxes: Average increase 4%
Wage and benefits: 3.8% increase
Added staff: 1.5 a year
Fire revenue: Equal to Fire 12 (less district funds of $2.75 million
Fire expenses: Equal to Fire 12 (apparatus $100,000)
Public safety fire ($15 million, 30 years): $67.37 a year
Regular levy: None
EMS levy: $25 annually
Property tax ($250,000 home): $102.73
Regional Fire Authority 4-A
Property taxes: Average increase 5%
Wage and benefits: 3.48% increase
Added staff: 1.5 a year
Fire revenue: Equal to Fire 12
Fire expenses: Equal to Fire 12 (apparatus $400,000)
Public safety fire ($15 million, 30 years): a year
Regular levy: $84.66 a year
EMS levy: $25 annually
Property tax ($250,000 home): $109.66
Regional Fire Authority 4-B
Property taxes: Average increase 5%
Wage and benefits: 3.48% increase
Added staff: 1.5 a year
Fire revenue: Equal to Fire 12
Fire expenses: Equal to Fire 12 (apparatus $400,000)
Public safety fire ($15 million, 30 years): $24 a year
Regular levy: $84.66 a year
EMS levy: $25 annually
Property tax ($250,000 home): $133.66
