I am supporting Proposition No. 1, Black Diamond’s public safety levy in the special election on April 27 and I encourage others to do the same. The public safety levy covers a portion of the public safety funding that includes police, fire and emergency services. Proposition No. 1 is not a new tax; it replaces a levy that expires at the end of this year.

Black Diamond is well known for its speed traps. But did you also know that its police department has a high rate of solving crimes and prosecuting criminals? This reputation contributes to a lower crime rate for Black Diamond compared with its neighbors. In 2007 Black Diamond’s crime rate was 14 percent compared to Maple Valley with a crime rate of 19 percent and Covington with a crime rate of 31 percent. (Source: Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs)

In 2009, Black Diamond Police had a 66 percent increase in calls for service compared with 2008. This included 70 calls for civil disputes and domestic disturbances, 76 driving under the influence complaints and 51 reports of theft. They also issued more than 1900 citations, up about 21 percent compared to approximately 1,600 citations in 2008. In the first two months of 2010, the number of calls for service was essentially the same compared to the first two months of 2009. Black Diamond’s Police Department currently has nine officers. Failure of Proposition No. 1 will result in the loss of approximately $417,000, which could mean the loss of up to five police officers along with some of the services they provide, such as Lake Sawyer marine patrol and the K-9 and DARE programs. In addition, with only four to five officers we would not have the 24/7 protection and quick response times we have now.

Presently the city of Black Diamond contracts fire department and emergency medical services from Mountain View Fire and Rescue, King County Fire District No. 44. Two career firefighters/EMTs and volunteers staff Station 98, located near Lake Sawyer. The downtown station, Station 99, is all volunteer. In addition, Mountain View Fire has several other fire stations near Black Diamond that can respond to calls, including Station 92 on the Kent-Black Diamond Road, Station 93 on the Covington-Sawyer Road, a station in Enumclaw and three in Auburn. The average response time for Black Diamond Fire Department is 7:20 minutes (2009 statistics). According to NFPA 1720, the benchmark for response times in suburban zones (500-1000 people/square mile) is response within 10 minutes, 80 percent of the time.

Opposition to Proposition No. 1 focuses on the differences in the operating budgets and capital expenditures for equipment and facilities between the police and fire departments in Black Diamond. Comparing a police department with a fire department is like comparing apples to oranges. They are completely different. If people think the fire department situation is bad now, it will only be worse if the levy fails. Just to be clear, the funds from the public safety levy are used for public safety operating costs, including police, fire and emergency services. It does not include equipment, such as police cars or fire trucks, or facilities, which come out of the capital budget.

In my experience, when my husband and I and our neighbors have required the services of Black Diamond’s police and fire/emergency medical services, they have been responsive, courteous and professional. I would like to maintain, or increase, the current level of service from our public safety officers.

That’s why I support Proposition No. 1.

Please vote yes on April 27 for Proposition No. 1, Black Diamond’s public safety levy.

Leah Grant

Black Diamond