PORT TOWNSEND — A special election has been set for Feb. 12, 2019, so voters can consider a ballot proposition that would annex the city of Port Townsend into the Jefferson County Fire Protection District No. 1.
All three Jefferson County commissioners voted unanimously Monday to adopt the resolution calling for the action.
Only voters in the city of Port Townsend and in Fire District No. 1, also known as East Jefferson Fire-Rescue, will cast ballots.
The annexation would assure that the district continues to provide fire protection, emergency medical services and hazardous material incident response services to residents of the city and the district in the same manner as currently provided.
It also provides for direct representation and participation. The fire district board would be expanded from three to five members: two from the district, two from the city and one at-large member.
On Oct. 15, the Port Townsend City Council adopted an ordinance declaring its intention to annex the city to Fire District No. 1.
On Oct. 17, the Jefferson County Fire Protection District No. 1 Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution concurring with the city’s action.
The county was notified of the city’s ordinance to declare annexation Nov. 16. Under the county’s legislative authority, the county commissioners voted to call for the special election.
The city and fire district will submit explanatory statements approved by the city’s attorney. They also will appoint a committee to prepare arguments advocating for approval and rejection of the measure.
If annexation is approved, the city will become part of the district immediately following the vote. Taxes would be collected by the county and then sent directly to the fire district.
The city’s general taxing authority would be restored and used for specific city purposes.
The annexation agreement restricts the ability of the city to levy property tax in an amount up to $908,000 phased in over three years beginning in 2021.
Allowable funded projects include local street improvements not eligible for state or federal assistance, new construction of parks and trails improvements, contributions to the housing trust fund, and utility tax relief.
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Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Jeannie McMacken can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jmcmacken@peninsula dailynews.com.
