Maple Valley Fire & Life Safety benefit charge failing | Primary Election Results

The Maple Valley Fire & Life Safety fire benefit charge appears to have fallen short of the required 60 percent to pass in the Aug. 2 primary election result, while the incumbents in both the 11th and 5th legislative districts gathered the top shares of the votes.

By Dennis Box • August 3, 2016 12:10 am
Maple Valley Fire & Life Safety benefit charge failing | Primary Election Results

The Maple Valley Fire & Life Safety fire benefit charge appears to have fallen short of the required 60 percent to pass in the Aug. 2 primary election result, while the incumbents in both the 11th and 5th legislative districts gathered the top shares of the votes.

The only contest the state top two primary system affects this year is the 5th District State House Position No. 2. Democrat Dacry Burner and Republican Paul Graves move on to the Nov. 8 general election and Democrat Matt Larson will not. The seat is open because Chad Magendanz decided to challenge incumbent Democrat Mark Mullet for the 5th District Senate seat. Mullet edged out Magendanz by 14504 to 14190 votes.

The Maple Valley Fire & Life Safety fire benefit charge picked up nearly 59 percent yes, but the as of Tuesday the percent of votes needed was still short of the needed supermajority. According to the ballot explanation, a fire benefit charge is based on the total square footage and projected fire flows required for all types of property, utilizing a consistent and industry-accepted formula.

The following is a letter from Fire Chief Brad W. Doerflinger:

I wanted to communicate with the Maple Valley community about the recent election. Our request to approve a benefit charge to improve emergency services lost, but we wanted to thank everyone who voted. It’s an important civic duty, and we appreciate you taking part in the discussion.

The next step is for the Board of Fire Commissioners for Maple Valley Fire & Life Safety to meet and discuss funding options for emergency services. Our current excess levy expires at the end of the year. In 2017 voters will be asked to consider a funding mechanism as our collection rate will drop below $1.30/$1000 of assessed value, the current system is unsustainable at this rate. The department will do it’s very best to provide all necessary information so you can give careful consideration to this important issue.

My door is always open, so please feel free to contact me with any questions. We appreciate the opportunity to serve our community.

Sincerely,

Brad W. Doerflinger. Fire Chief

Maple Valley Fire and Life Safety

425-433-2102 bdoerflinger@maplevalleyfire.org