Fire District Revenue/Collection Rate (2016) We have two main sources of revenue: property tax and the Fire Benefit Charge.

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Dorothy Leonard
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1 Fire District Revenue/Collection Rate (2016) We have two main sources of revenue: property tax and the Fire Benefit Charge. Property tax is generally based on assessed valuation of the property within the District at a rate of $1.00 per $1,000 of assessed value; however, there is also a limit factor of 101 percent over the previous year s levy OR the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. The assessed valuation for the property lying within the boundaries of the District for the assessment year 2016 is $8,486,667,237. We are, however, limited to a levy of $7,985,285 due to the limit factor. (We cannot collect the full $1.00/$1,000 AV or $8,486,667.) This gives us a levy rate of [As of 1/6/16, we do not yet have the final numbers from King County.] The voter-approved Fire Benefit Charge provides the District with a flexible funding source to maintain our high level of service. The fire benefit charge may be no more than 60 percent of our operating budget. Our 2016 budget is $12,544,921; 60 percent of that would be $7,526,953. We are collecting a total of $4,744,716 in fire benefit charges in The property tax and Fire Benefit Charge represent an overall collection rate of $1.50/$1,000 of assessed value. What is the Fire Benefit Charge? State law authorizes fire districts in the State, with the approval of voters in the District, to assess a Fire Benefit Charge as a supplemental means of financing the service provided by the District. Unlike taxes, the Fire Benefit Charge is not based on assessed value. It is based on two main factors: 1) the use of the property and 2) the total square footage of buildings, garages, etc. on the property. There are five main uses which determine how the charge is figured: 1. Residential 2. Mobile Home 3. Apartment Buildings 4. Two story 4-plex s 5. Commercial The formulas are figured so that the owner of a commercial building of like-square footage would pay more than a residential homeowner because it takes specialized equipment, training

It is important to consider the fact that unfinished basements, detached structures, garages and decks covered by roofs can add a significant amount to the square footage.

2 and additional resources to fight a commercial structure fire as opposed to a fire in a residential structure. The vast majority of the inquiries we receive relate to a perceived discrepancy in the structure square footage calculation. It is important to consider the fact that unfinished basements, detached structures, garages and decks covered by roofs can add a significant amount to the square footage. The King County Assessor s records are used for the square footage of structures. You may check the square footage for your property by following these steps: 1. Go to the King County Assessor s ereal Property website at: Click here to check this box and get to the next screen. Type your address here, OR Type your parcel number here. It s on the benefit charge letter you received from the Fire District.

Click this button to get to the screen with the square footage information. PICTURE 3.

3 2. The next screen brings you to information about your parcel. The following screen shot has some information redacted, but your property would show the actual data. Click this button to get to the screen with the square footage information. PICTURE 3. When you scroll down, the square footage of the main building is under the Building heading. PICTURE FLOOR PLAN The main building on this property is 2,520 square feet (2,000 square foot house square foot garage)

4. Accessory buildings are listed further down the page. This parcel has an additional 1,370 square feet in outbuildings. How does the Fire Benefit Charge benefit me?

4 4. Accessory buildings are listed further down the page. This parcel has an additional 1,370 square feet in outbuildings. How does the Fire Benefit Charge benefit me? The Fire Benefit Charge helps ensure that the Fire District provides efficient and effective fire department operations by providing a stable method of maintaining appropriate equipment, training, facilities and staffing. The Fire Benefit Charge is a more equitable way of funding the District s fire service. Property taxes only take into consideration the value of the property and not the benefits provided by the Fire District. These benefits include lower fire insurance costs which are passed on to the homeowner. Discounts If your home has a functioning fire sprinkler system covering the entire structure, you will qualify for a 30 percent reduction of your fire benefit charge. If you are a low-income senior citizen, you may qualify for additional reductions of your fire benefit charge and property taxes. For more information on low-income senior citizen discounts, please contact the King County Department of Assessments Exemptions unit at or visit this link. How is the Fire Benefit Charge collected? The Fire Benefit Charge is collected as part of your regular property tax payment. It is noted on your tax statement in the Tax/Fee Distribution and is usually identified as Fire District. Do not send your payment to the Fire District. Can I calculate my Fire Benefit Charge? Yes. The 2016 formula is: [SQRT(sqft) x 18] x Category Factor x Cost per Gallon x Discount The chart on the next page provides more detail.

Fire Benefit Charge ( FBC ) Formula [SQRT(sqft)*18]*CF*CPG*Discount=FBC Category Factors (CF) Residential 0.558 Mobile Home 0.3 Apartment 0.03 Commercial 1 2 1-9,999 sq ft Commercial 2 2.

5 Fire Benefit Charge ( FBC ) Formula [SQRT(sqft)*18]*CF*CPG*Discount=FBC Category Factors (CF) Residential Mobile Home 0.3 Apartment 0.03 Commercial ,999 sq ft Commercial ,000-49,999 sq ft Commercial ,000-99,999 sq ft Commercial , ,999 sq ft Commercial , ,000 sq ft Commercial ,000 + sq ft Cost Per Gallon (CPG) Determined by dividing the Total Benefit Charge by the Total Fire Flow (SQRT(totalsqft)*18) of the District. TotBC/TotFF=CPG Discounts Sr. Citizen S 0.75 Sr. Citizen P 0.5 Sr. Citizen F 0.25 Fire Protection Sprinkler 0.7

Frequently Asked Questions:

Frequently Asked Questions: 1. Why has my property assessment changed?... 2 2. What are the legal requirements for my assessment?... 2 3. What method(s) are used by the assessor to value my property?...