I'm enjoying this civil and informative dialog, so here is the next installment in my answer to your questions.
No, SaveOurFD.org has not found that the facts demonstrate a funding crisis. In fact, far from it. Olympia Fire funding growth has exceeded both population and inflation. Also, the Fire Department’s share of the budget relative to other departments is greater now than it was in 2019.
But here is the most pertinent fact: The city has a huge amount of capacity to raise the property tax, especially since the recent jump in assessed valuations. That is done through a “levy lid lift” that is a permanent increase in property taxes and only requires a 50% vote of the people, not the 60% required by the Fire Benefit Charge. If you don't believe me, listen to Councilmember Cooper here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FYP7m6jPvKMpUasyV5ypCOmpKMXvizV_/view?usp=share_link
Further, less money would need to be raised if it was not in the RFA because you save millions in avoiding duplicative administrative staff and inflated salaries to match the bigger departments.
I, personally, should the facts show that our 2nd to none for all but Seattle Class 2 rated Fire Department is underfunded, support an increase for additional funding. Further, I pledge to help support that campaign, if the evidence really shows it is underfunded. Fire and emergency services are important to me, my family and friends, and that is why we need to SAVE OUR FIRE DEPARTMENT by VOTING NO ON PROP 1.
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