A look at voters’ pamphlet material on the Lynnwood EMS levy

Lynnwood voters will decide in the Nov. 5 general election on a renewal of a property-tax levy to pay for emergency medical services.

Here is material on the levy proposal that will appear in the local voters’ pamphlet to be mailed Oct. 17:

Renewal of Emergency Medical Services Regular Property Tax Levy

For the purpose of continuing to fund emergency medical care and emergency medical and paramedic services, shall the City of Lynnwood be authorized to impose an additional regular property tax levy at the rate of $0.50 or less per One Thousand Dollars of assessed valuation within the City, for each of the years 2014 through 2023?

Explanatory Statement:

The City of Lynnwood provides emergency medical and paramedic services to its citizens. These services are currently funded by a property tax levy of up to $0.50 per One Thousand Dollars of assessed valuation. The proposed ballot measure, if passed, would permit the City to levy the previously authorized Emergency Services Property Tax Levy of up to $0.50 per One Thousand Dollars of assessed valuation for each of the next ten years (2014 through 2023).
This levy is necessary for the City of Lynnwood to continue to provide emergency medical services and paramedic response at the current level to the residents and businesses of Lynnwood. The proceeds of the levy will be used to pay the costs of personnel, training, equipment, supplies, and vehicles needed to provide emergency medical and paramedic services.
Pro Statement:

Renewal of the Emergency Medical Services Levy, which has been in place for over 33 years, will provide for continuous paramedic services from 2014-2023 at the same $0.50 cents per $1000 assessed value rate approved in 2009. Our community has a high demand for this essential service, with over 70% of 9-1-1 callers requesting Emergency Medical Services each year.
The levy funds the personnel, training and equipment required for fire department firefighters and paramedics to treat thousands of sick and injured citizens each year. Importantly, with the growing number of “baby boomers” reaching retirement age and experiencing new health problems, experts believe the need for emergency care will continue to grow.
We ask, once again, that you support this critical service for our community and vote yes on the Emergency Medical Services levy and thank you for the continued support.

Pro committee members:
Scott DiBenedetto, Tod Gates, Don Gough
Con Statement:

No statement submitted
Con committee members:
No committee appointed

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.