PORT TOWNSEND — The possible annexation of the city of Port Townsend into East Jefferson Fire-Rescue has taken a step forward with the City Council’s initial approval of an agreement that sets the stage for a general election vote.
The Port Townsend City Council approved Monday night on a first reading the proposed interlocal agreement that states the city’s intention to request the annexation.
The second reading, which will finalize the city’s action, is scheduled for July 6, after which the fire district’s oversight board will consider the agreement.
If it is approved by both agencies, then the proposal is on track to be on the Nov. 8 ballot, where it must draw separate majorities from Port Townsend and Jefferson County voters to pass.
If voters approve it, the annexation would commence in 2013.
City fire services — which are provided by the fire district — then would be funded directly by taxes and not through the city.
A proposed levy lid lift, which was on the Aug. 17 primary election ballot for Port Townsend voters, was intended to provide funding for fire services within the Port Townsend city limit until the new fire structure was established.
If Port Townsend voters had approved it, it would have generated an estimated $400,000, City Manager David Timmons.
Voters in the unincorporated area of East Jefferson County approved a similar measure.
Since the measure did not pass, there is a shortfall of that amount for 2012, said City Manager David Timmons.
That could mean cuts, with programs that are used to receiving money from the city — such as such as Dove House, county animal control services and the YMCA — having to do without in 2012, Timmons said.
If annexation is approved, then the city can support such programs, Timmons said.
Options will be discussed at a meeting of the City Council Finance Committee at 4 p.m. today in chambers, 540 Water St.
Timmons said he also will seek union concessions as a cost-cutting measure.
The need to create one entity to provide fire service has been discussed for several years but became necessary in 2010 when county voters passed a measure that was subsequently rejected by the city.
The city examined both annexation and the creation of a regional fire authority but chose to pursue annexation because it allows the voters to directly elect those in charge of the fire district rather than have them appointed by the City Council.
The council plans to hold a workshop in July on various alternatives regarding taxation. No date has been set.
The city currently pays the fire district out of the general fund at a rate that is about 57 percent of the tax levy of $1 on $1,000 assessed valuation paid by county residents.
If residents approve annexation, they would agree to the $1 valuation.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
Philip L. Watness is a freelance writer and photographer living in Port Townsend. He can be reached at whatnews@olypen.com.
