ANNEXATION OF GRESHAM BY MULTNOMAH COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT NO. 10
QUESTION: Shall Multnomah County Fire District No. 10 annex all property in Gresham to provide fire protection and emergency services?
SUMMARY: Annexation approval would transfer responsibility for providing fire protection and emergency services within Gresham to Fire District 10. The City would no longer provide these services. Gresham voters would be eligible to vote in District elections and hold District office. Annexation is not effective unless approved by both City and District voters.
Property within Gresham would be subject to District's property tax rate. District's permanent property tax rate is $2.85 per thousand dollars of tax assessed value. City's permanent rate is $3.61 per thousand. District would not levy more than $2.19 per thousand from July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2008. City would reduce its rate by $1.25 per thousand during the same period. Annexation would cause a net property tax increase of $0.94 per thousand dollars of tax assessed value or $141.00 on a home assessed at $150,000.
Intended purpose of annexation is to maintain current level of fire protection and emergency services in the region and maintain City's ability to provide police services and parks, recreation and economic development programs.
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Measure 26-72 proposes annexation of all property within the Gresham city limits to Multnomah County Fire District No. 10. Annexation would be effective July 1, 2005 if approved by the voters of both the City of Gresham and the District. The purpose of annexation is to maintain the current level of fire and emergency services in the region. Annexation would also maintain the City's ability to provide police, parks, recreation and economic development services.
The City currently provides fire and emergency services to city residents. By contract, the City also provides fire and emergency services to Fairview, Troutdale, Wood Village and the District. Annexation would formalize the regional nature of these services by transferring responsibility for fire and emergency services within the City to the District. The City would no longer provide fire and emergency services. Gresham voters would be eligible to vote in District elections and hold District office. City personnel and assets used for fire and emergency services would be transferred to the District.
The permanent property tax rate of the City of Gresham is $3.61 per thousand dollars of tax assessed value. The Gresham City Council requires that these taxes be used in the General Fund only for police and fire services. These services will cost about $33.1 million dollars in the current fiscal year. The City's permanent property tax rate should raise about $18.5 million dollars during this same period. The difference is paid from revenue other than property taxes such as franchise fees, business taxes, state shared revenues, and user fees. Other General Fund services such as parks, recreation and economic development are also paid from revenue other than property taxes.
The City has dealt with budget deficits in the General Fund for several years. The City used reserves and cost saving measures to limit reductions in services. The City anticipates another budget deficit next fiscal year, which may result in reduced General Fund service levels, including police and fire.
Property within Gresham would be subject to District's property tax rate to pay for fire and emergency services. The District's permanent property tax rate is $2.85 per thousand dollars of tax assessed value. The City's permanent tax rate is $3.61 per thousand. The combined permanent tax rate of the City and District would be $6.46 per thousand.
The total permanent tax rate need not be levied. The District would not levy more than $2.19 per thousand from July 1, 2005 though June 30, 2008. City would reduce its property tax rate by $1.25 to $2.36 per thousand during the same period.
Annexation would cause a net increase in property tax rates in Gresham of $0.94 per thousand dollars of tax assessed value from July 1, 2005 though June 30, 2008. The estimated net tax cost of this increase is $141.00 per year for a home with a tax assessed value of $150,000.
Submitted by: Debbie Jermann
Gresham City Clerk
Measure No. 26-72 | City of Gresham
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
We, the citizens of East Multnomah County, need to have a fire and emergency services system that we can count on. Safety and well being are paramount to me and we rely on having quality services provided to us. Right now, Gresham's Department of Fire & Emergency Services (FES) is in serious financial trouble. Not only has it been under funded during the past several budget cycles, it stands no chance of doing any better in the near future. That's because the general fund budget of the City of Gresham is facing a revenue shortfall of between $4 million and $5 million for next year and larger shortfalls thereafter. Since the fire and police departments comprise 91% of the City's general fund budget, there is no way that they will not be "hit hard" during upcoming budget deliberations.
There seem to me to be three options for Gresham's citizens: let the cuts come as they may with the serious reduction in public safety services, attempt to get voter approval on a five-year serial levy, or ask voters to approve the annexation of the fire department to Multnomah County Fire District #10, which already has the taxing authority needed to support it.
The first option above is clearly unacceptable. We need more fire and police services, not less. The serial levy option would provide only temporary funding, and not enough of it at that. Furthermore, getting the required 50% turnout simply would not happen.
Annexation is clearly the best option to the FES funding issue. It will avert the very significant cuts that will come with no action at all, it will provide the long-term stability we need for fire protection, and it will also result in more adequate funding for police services. And, approval does not require the double majority that a levy would.
Join me and 100% of Gresham firefighters and paramedics in voting Yes for annexation.
Submitted by
Laurie Monnes Anderson
Senator, Senate District #25
(This information furnished by Laurie Monnes Anderson)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
Measure No. 26-72 | City of Gresham
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Argument in Favor
Of the Annexation of the Gresham Department of Fire & Emergency Services
I strongly urge my constituents in the Gresham area to vote in favor of the annexation of the Gresham Department of Fire & Emergency Services to Fire District #10 when you receive your ballots for the March 8 mail-in election. Annexation will provide the stable funding your fire department needs if it is to continue to provide your community with the quality of services that you deserve and prospective new businesses will demand if they are to establish themselves here and bring new jobs to the area. Without annexation, service levels will be seriously eroded and, based on my experiences, new businesses and jobs will go elsewhere.
Yes – approval of the annexation measure will cost Gresham taxpayers slightly more. But it will cost you more no matter which option you choose. The only other option being discussed is a short-term solution that will not provide any long term stability needed for public safety services.
Shouldn't high quality fire protection and police services be our top priority? I say YES. If you have questions about what your firefighters and paramedics think, ask them. Every single one of them supports the fire district #10 annexation.
Submitted by
Lonnie Roberts,
Commissioner, District #4
Multnomah County
(This information furnished by Lonnie Roberts)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
Measure No. 26-72 | City of Gresham
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
On behalf of the Gresham Professional Firefighters' Association, I urge you to vote yes on ballot measure 26-72. Approval of this measure will enable the firefighters of Gresham to continue to provide the prompt and highly skilled attention you deserve in times of crisis.
Over the past several years, the inadequate level of funding allocated to the Gresham Fire Department has left it unable to plan for growth in the East County, meet local and national standards for emergency response times, replace aging fire engines, or address fire station health/safety issues. Increased population, traffic, and housing density are also factors that add to our difficulty in delivering quality fire protection and emergency services. What's more, the budget shortfall confronting the City of Gresham means that things can only get worse for those who provide public safety.
Is annexation to Fire District #10 the right answer? Gresham firefighters definitely believe so – 100% of them.
A regional fire district will provide citizens with the following:
Dedicated Stable Funding
All the tax money collected by Fire District #10 will be spent directly on fire protection and emergency services instead of going into the city's general fund which is then split among many departments. A consistent tax base will ensure quality service for years to come.
Increased Citizen Control
A board of directors currently governs and would continue to govern Fire District #10. These individuals are elected from the District's service area and have a single focus – to provide you the best service at a practical cost. Their only focus is your safety.
Restored Funding
The budget (under the tax rate of $2.19) would also restore funding for major equipment replacement, station upgrades/repairs, and future planning with implementation to address the explosive growth in the East County.
You deserve and should demand Fire and Emergency Medical response that is consistent with the standard nationwide. Less is unacceptable. Please vote YES on ballot measure 26-72.
Brian Keltz, President
Gresham Professional Firefighters Local 1062
(This information furnished by Brian Keltz,
Gresham Professional Firefighters' Association)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
Measure No. 26-72 | City of Gresham
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Argument in Favor
Gresham Police Officers' Association
Citizens of Gresham – Your public safety is in jeopardy! The City of Gresham's general fund budget is facing a potential revenue shortfall of between $4 million and $5 million for the fiscal year beginning on July 1. Since your police and fire departments consume 91% of the general fund, it is obvious that both departments will suffer severe reductions.
What can be done about this very serious problem? The best answer is the proposed annexation of the fire department to Multnomah County Fire District #10. Why is annexation the best answer to the City's public safety problems? Because under annexation the fire department would have long-term, stable funding from District #10 and the City would have the funds it previously spent on fire protection services to fund your police department. Approving annexation removes the fire department from the General Fund making future funds available for your police department.
Would citizens of Gresham have to pay more if annexation is approved? Definitely, but citizens of Gresham will have to pay more for public safety services one way or the other. If annexation is approved, Gresham residents will pay $0.94 per $1,000 of assessed value more for the next three years.
If annexation is not approved and if the City of Gresham were successful in getting voter approval on a serial levy, taxes would also increase, maybe more than the $0.94 cited above. What's more, there would be no guarantee that the serial levy money would be spent on fire and police services. Once this levy ends another would have to take its place returning our City right back where it is now, unstable. If neither annexation nor a levy is approved, the result maybe devastating in terms of reduced services.
Its time for you to get involved with your community; support your Fire and Police Departments with your YES vote.
Submitted by,
Jim Paddock
President
Gresham Police Officers Association
(This information furnished by Jim Paddock,
Gresham Police Officers' Association)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
Measure No. 26-72 | City of Gresham
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Argument in Favor
Of the Annexation of the Gresham Department
of Fire & Emergency Services
As your former Fire Chief, I am VOTING YES on Measure 26-72, the annexation of the Gresham Fire Department into Multnomah County Fire Protection District No. 10.
Over the past 30 years of my career, I have witnessed significant growth and change in our community. With growth comes the need for a strong and efficient fire service. Unfortunately, the City Council has not allowed the Fire Department to keep up with that growth. As your Fire Chief, I was forced to cut positions and programs in order to maintain our basic service – emergency response. There is nothing left to cut except essential services.
Now, we are facing a dangerous situation. With a $5 million shortfall in the upcoming budget, it is easy to see that the City Council will have to cut into essential public safety services. With these cuts, it will take longer for our fire and police departments to respond to our emergencies. A few seconds can be the difference between life and death.
The fire district solution was proposed by an independent consultant and became a goal of the City's strategic plan. It was later supported by the City of Gresham Council Fire Advisory Committee, moved forward by the Mayors Task Force, and approved by a majority of the City Council. Even the Troutdale City Council voted unanimously to follow Gresham into Fire District 10.
I am in full agreement with the Gresham Professional Firefighters and many of our community leaders when I say that the time has come to create a strong and unified fire district that can serve our communities needs into the future.
Annexation is clearly the best solution for providing long term stability for our fire service.
Sincerely,
Riley Caton
Retired Gresham Fire Chief
(This information furnished by Riley Caton)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
Measure No. 26-72 | City of Gresham
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
There are three choices, and only three choices to consider in this election to annex the City of Gresham to Fire District 10. The choice you must make is to preserve and protect your safety, your family's safety and your property's safety in an emergency. In doing that there is only one choice to make. Annexation of Gresham to District 10 is that choice. It is not an easy choice, because for residents of the City of Gresham this measure requires a small additional expense for your fire department. For residents of District 10 there will be a small reduction in cost. But in the end, everyone will pay the same. My home is in District 10, and my business is in Gresham. I will pay slightly more for fire protection, and I accept that because of the three choices we have, two are very bad.
If we do nothing (the second choice), the Gresham Fire Department will be significantly weakened. There are fewer firefighters now and more emergency calls. The City of Gresham will have even less money next year. That will hit both police and fire. The fire stations are in miserable repair and will get worse. There has been not one dollar given by the City to upgrade equipment.
If Gresham tries a temporary tax levy (third choice), it would cost even more. It would also require a double majority vote, which is next to impossible to pass. And you have to vote every few years and risk a meltdown of emergency response if any levy vote fails. That is the second dangerous choice.
Voting yes on annexation will give you a Fire Department you deserve, at a fair price. Governed by taxpayers, not politicians. It gives you a fully professional department for less cost than every surrounding district. Join me, scores of your fellow citizens, and 100% of the Gresham Firefighters in voting YES on Fire District 10.
(This information furnished by Michael McKeel)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
Measure No. 26-72 | City of Gresham
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Argument in Favor
Of the Annexation of the Gresham Department
of Fire & Emergency Services
American Medical Response encourages your support of measure 26-72, the annexation of the Gresham fire services by Multnomah County Fire District 10. As your emergency ambulance provider, AMR works hand in hand with your fire department to provide you with emergency medical services that are among the highest quality in the nation.
The Gresham Fire Department has provided critical emergency medical first response for years, but is now faced with funding shortages that will force a reduction in the level of service. We are very concerned about the potential reduction in service that the residents of Gresham may face without approval of measure 26-72. We understand that annexation will cost Gresham taxpayers more money. However, citizen surveys continually show that when lives are at stake a rapid, high quality response is vastly favored over less expensive service.
A Fire District is not a new idea. In Clackamas and Washington Counties, the majority of fire suppression and emergency medical first response is provided by districts that are solely dedicated to those services. Funding and service levels are more stable when essential services, such as police and fire, do not have to compete for the same tax dollars.
AMR does not normally take a position regarding how our partner first responder organizations are funded, but in this case it is apparent that the annexation of the fire department to Multnomah County Fire District #10 is the only way to maintain the high quality of service that we are all proud of. Please vote yes on measure 26-72.
Sincerely,
Randy Lauer
Oregon Director of Operations
American Medical Response
(This information furnished by
Randy Lauer, American Medical Response)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
Measure No. 26-72 | City of Gresham
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
If Gresham expects to attract the new businesses and jobs it needs, it also needs high quality fire and police services. Businesses demand it, and if they are not assured that we will have it, they will go elsewhere. And given the projected budgetary shortfall that I and the other members of City of Gresham's finance committee are currently facing, there is little chance that the Department of Fire & Emergency Services (FES) and the Police Department will receive more funds over the next few years. Instead, they are almost certain to receive less funding.
A clear and very good option to the funding crisis for both departments of public safety is the annexation of the Gresham FES to Multnomah County Fire District #10. With annexation will come secure, stable funding for our firefighters – firefighters who are prepared to risk their lives for us every day. At the same time, annexation would make additional funds available to the City of Gresham that could be used to provide for more police services.
Would annexation mean higher taxes? Definitely, but unless we are prepared to see serious reductions from the current public safety services being provided, we will have to pay more. But the increase will be modest. What would Gresham taxpayers rather have, the lowest property tax rate for Oregon cities of comparable size, or quality public safety services and a relatively low tax rate? For me, the answer is obvious – we want the public safety services. And even with the projected tax increases of 39 cents a day for Gresham residents, we would still have one of the lowest tax rates in Oregon.
I urge all Gresham residents concerned with issues related to public safety to join me and many other area citizens to vote yes for annexation. Let's support those who serve and protect us.
Submitted by
Sue O'Halloran
City of Gresham Finance Committee
(This information furnished by Sue O'Halloran)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
Measure No. 26-72 | City of Gresham
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
I urge voters to support the annexation of the Gresham Department of Fire & Emergency Services to Multnomah County Fire District #10. There are many reasons for a YES vote: longterm stability, the opportunity to bring equipment up to date, faster response times, and so on. But my principal reasons are related to the economic development of the Gresham area. Without high quality fire and emergency services and other public services, few new businesses and, thus, few new jobs will come here. And isn't it obvious that we need new businesses and jobs here in Gresham?
Why should new businesses come to Gresham with otherwise comparably attractive opportunities in other parts of the Portland metropolitan area where public safety and parks are well-funded? Would you choose Gresham where resources are scarce and the fire and police departments are forced to compete with one another during the budget development process? If I were a business owner, I would want to know that fire safety was the highest priority in the area in which I would be doing business. Right now, that is not the case.
Annexation to Fire District #10 would mean that fire and emergency services would be the ONLY priority for the decisionmakers on the District #10 Board of Directors. All of the firefighters and paramedics currently employed by Gresham would still be employed; they'd just be under a different governing body. And they would have adequate funding. That's because Fire District #10 has taxing authority sufficient to fund the fire department.
Would property taxes increase if annexation were approved? Yes, but taxes will have to be increased no matter what is done unless we are willing to see firefighters laid off and fire stations closed.
To have good public services and to bring businesses and jobs to Gresham, vote YES on annexations to Fire District #10.
Submitted by
Dennis Anderson
City of Gresham
Finance Committee
(This information furnished by Dennis Anderson)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
Measure No. 26-72 | City of Gresham
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Argument in Favor
Of the Annexation of the Gresham Department
of Fire & Emergency Services
We, the undersigned, are all current or former members of the Gresham City Council. As such, we have had the firsthand experience of having to grapple with the budget problems faced by our city. Unfortunately, because of limited resources, we have not been able to support the Gresham Department of Fire & Emergency Services to the degree that they deserve. The money simply has not been there and things are getting much worse.
One solution to the fire department's funding problems, and we believe it is clearly the best option, is the annexation of the fire department to Multnomah County Fire District #10. Annexation was favored by the majority of the City Council twice during 2004 and was placed on the ballot for the March 8 election by that majority.
The idea of annexation came about as the result of extensive discussion by the city councils not only of Gresham, but also of Fairview, Wood Village, and Troutdale. Those cities, and Fire District #10, commissioned a study of how fire protection and emergency services should be provided in this area by a team of experts. Those experts recommended annexation as the best solution. They believed that only with annexation would the fire department get the stability in funding that every such department needs.
It is true that annexation will cost Gresham taxpayers more. But so will any other solution. The only thing that will not cost more is to do nothing and, to us, doing nothing is not an option. Doing nothing will cause a serious reduction in fire and protection services, and probably the closing of at least one fire station. That is not acceptable.
Vote yes for annexation. For Gresham to continue to be the fine city that it is, its fire department needs the resources annexation will bring.
Submitted by
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
(This information furnished by Jacquenette McIntire)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
Measure No. 26-72 | City of Gresham
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Argument in Favor
Of the Annexation of the Gresham Department
of Fire & Emergency Services
The Board of Directors of the Oregon Fire District Directors Association supports the annexation of the Gresham Fire Department by Multnomah County Fire District 10.
Fire Districts throughout the State of Oregon efficiently serve over 600,000 citizens. Districts can provide excellent fire protection services in an economic manner by serving multiple cities and unincorporated areas at the same time. All boundaries are dropped and all of the citizens of the district pay the same rate for the same service.
Your District Directors are elected just like any other public board and are responsible to the citizens they represent. Your Fire Board will set policy, hire employees, determine the appropriate level of service, and budget for those services in a responsible manner.
Please vote yes on Measure 26-72.
Larry Goff, President
Oregon Fire District Directors Association
(This information furnished by Larry Goff, Oregon
Fire District Directors Association)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
Measure No. 26-72 | City of Gresham
ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION
Former Gresham Mayor and City Councilors Urge a No Vote on 26-72. Claims Made by Annexation Supporters Are NOT Accurate.
The City of Gresham faces a $5 million budget shortfall in Budget Year 2005-2006.
FACT:
The City Manager and Budget Committee are only now prioritizing services. The actual budget shortfall is not yet known.
Claim:
The City Council hasn't provided enough money for the Fire Department.
FACT:
The Gresham Fire Department budget increased 41% since Budget Year 1998-1999. How much is enough?
Claim:
Eleven positions have been cut since 1999 because of budget problems.
FACT:
Claim:
Gresham has 80 full-time firefighter professionals.
FACT:
Gresham has 86 full-time firefighter professionals: (54 firefighters and 32 managers). Total General Fund staff (96) includes (3) Administrative Assistants, (1) Management Analyst, (1) Emergency Medical Services Coordinator, (5) Fire Prevention staff.
Claim:
Without annexation, fire protective gear and equipment and specialty teams will be eliminated.
FACT:
Definitely not even a probability. Council would not support such cuts.
Claim:
26-72 increases property taxes by only $0.94/$1000 Taxable Assessed Value (TAV).
FACT:
Voter approval authorizes Fire District 10 to levy its permanent tax rate of $2.85/$1000 TAV without any further voting.
Claim:
Fire station closure likely if 26-72 fails.
FACT:
No stations in Gresham will close. In 2002, District 10 voters turned down a 5-year levy to increase taxes to save the Orient station. Why is it now the responsibility of Gresham taxpayers to save that station?
Claim:
Additional funding for fires services must be secured.
FACT:
Annexation to Fire District 10 isn't the only way to secure funding. HOWEVER, IT IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE WAY!
PLEASE JOIN US – VOTE NO ON MEASURE 26-72. Former Mayor Gussie McRobert and former City Councilors Chris Boitano, Jack Gallagher, John Leuthauser, Debbie Noah, Mary Walker and Barbara Wiggin. WE WANT THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH.
(This information furnished by Gussie McRobert)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
Measure No. 26-72 | City of Gresham
ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION
SKEPTIC'S ANNEXATION Q AND A
Skeptic's Question In summer of 2004, the proposed date for this vote was November's General Election. Why the change to a March Special Election?
Skeptic's Answer November had a voter turnout of about 80%. March's turnout will probably be less than 35%. Common wisdom is that the lower the turnout the better the chances for passage.
Skeptic's Question Many say that the fire and emergency services provided by theGRESHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT are VERY GOOD. Poll after poll, year after year, the department is given exceptionally HIGH MARKS by the public. WHY ANNEX to Fire District 10?
Skeptic's Answer It is the EASIEST WAY to acquire increased taxing authority..Because the tax increase is not mentioned in the question measure 47's the "double majority" (requires a 50% turnout) isn't required. However, most opponents of annexation feel that the only value which Fire District 10 provides is its $2.85/$1000 taxable assessed value (TAV) tax rate. The district has less than one employee, no support services, and less than 10% of Gresham's TAV. Assuming that WE HAVE A VERY GOOD FIRE DEPARTMENT, it seems that the ONLY THING the citizens of Gresham are certain to get out of ANNEXATION IS HIGHER TAXES.
Skeptic's Question The amount of the authorized tax increase ($15 million) is much more than the projected general fund shortfall ($3-5million). Won't annexation present a HARDSHIP ON BUSINESS?
Skeptic's Answer Some say CERTAINLY! Some say this tax increase IS ANTI-BUSINESS but the merger advocates hope to have BUSINESS OUTFOXED by saying the tax increase is only 94 cents/$1000 TAV when the permanent authorization is more than three times greater, $2.85/$1000 TAV. In fact, we might be into the third or fourth year before the full authorization is applied and, by then, maybe no one will notice.
JOIN FORMER FIREFIGHTERS GORDON LEHR, DICK DOWSETT AND VIC STOCKMAN IN OPPOSING ANNEXATIONS PLEASE VOTE NO
(This information furnished by Vic Stockman, Committee Against the Fire District 10 "Bait and Switch")
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
Measure No. 26-72 | City of Gresham
ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION
Not just the Numbers
This argument against the elimination of the Gresham Fire Department and the expansion of Fire District 10 is not based just on the numbers. Besides making up a needlessly extravagant measure, the creators of 26-72 are also violating a basic principle of good government. Here are just a few relevant questions and observations.
The Guiding Principle
In a free society the primary responsibility of government is the "health and safety" of those it serves. In this context, it's not logical for Gresham citizens to vote away their city fire department, a keystone of municipal government. It would be folly to approve a system which will certainly cost us more in the long run and at the same time give away a substantial measure of our local control.
Who put it on the Ballot?
When a government proposes a major reform, the main objective of the measure is to improve the fortunes of those in the government. A logical way to decide whether or not to be for or against a measure is to ask the question, "Who put it on the ballot?" In the case of Measure 26-27, the answer is…the government.
Pet Projects
By removing the fire department from the our city budget, it's clear that staff bureaucrats will have a field day reallocating the resulting surplus revenue to pet projects and pay increases. Not surprisingly, the principle backers of this idea to eliminate the Gresham Fire Department are city hall bureaucrats and the fire personnel's union.
The Question
If 26-72 is approved, the city staff will soon busy itself creating more useless bureaucratic projects, while the union will have clear sailing to increase costs and union membership by 25% Does it makes sense to move our fire protection out of the city to another bureaucracy outside the purview of the city?
If the answer is "No!" Please Vote No on 26-72.
(This information furnished by Don McIntire, Taxpayer Association of Oregon)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
Measure No. 26-72 | City of Gresham
ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION
All you need to know about Fire District 10 Annexation (Measure 26-72)
Q:
WHY are we voting on annexation by Fire District 10?
A:
The Gresham City Council is trying to resolve its yet unknown budget deficit by "selling off" the Fire Department. Annexation will allow the City to spend approximately $10 million--now spent on Fire & Emergency Service--on other expenses. Annexation is more likely to gain voter approval than a direct request for increased revenue because it's easier to hide the increased tax rate. Annexation is also the easiest way to avoid Measure 50's requirement that a "double majority" of voters is required to approve property tax increases.
Q:
WHO are the major supporters of annexation by Fire District 10?
A:
Supporters include the City Council by a 4-3 vote, Fire District 10 Board of Directors, Gresham Firefighters Association, and the Council Fire Advisory Committee. According to a major spokesperson, "The Firefighters Association has pledged to contribute $30,000 toward the campaign".
Q:
WHY annexation to Fire District 10?
A:
The City of Gresham and the Fire Department want more money. The Fire Department also wants to eliminate City control.
Q:
Are there other disadvantages of annexation?
A:
Measure 26-72 adds a new and unnecessary layer of bureaucracy: namely Fire District 10. It also diminishes Gresham taxpayer control.
Q:
WHAT will it cost?
A:
They say it will only $0.94/$100 Taxable Assessed Value (TAV).HOWEVER, APPROVAL OF MEASURE 26-72 AUTHORIZES A GIGANTIC PROPERTY TAX INCREASE. Fire District 10's permanent tax rate of $2.85/$1000 CAN be added to the city's permanent tax rate of $3.61/$1000 TAV for a total of $6.46/$1000. That's a potential 79% increase in property taxes to pay for services that are already provided by the City. PROPERTY TAXES ON A HOUSE WITH A TAV OF $150,000 COULD INCREASE $427 PER YEAR, NOT THE $141 THAT THEY ARE PITCHING.
(This information furnished by Jack Gallagher, Committee Against the Fire District 10 Bait and Switch)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
Measure No. 26-72 | City of Gresham
ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION
IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT
Gresham has an excellent, professional fire department. Gresham has a better than average call response time. Will service offered by Fire District 10 improve the service within the city? Probably not.
NO NEW BUREAUCRACY
Taxpayers of Gresham are being asked to reduce local control of our Gresham Fire Department. While this drastic measure should have been considered as a last resort, it is offered as the only remedy to fix a budget shortfall.
IS THE SOLUTION TOO COSTLY?
Annexation of Gresham's fire department to Fire District 10 offers a costly solution. Fire District 10 has a separate tax rate of up to $2.85/$1000 of taxable assessed value. That would generate an amount of over $15 million per year. That is much more than the $3 to $5 million anticipated budget shortfall in Gresham.
Fire District 10 offered to take over all fire and emergency services and says the rate of $2.19/$1000 is a secure rate for three years. After the three year period, the tax rate charged could rise without another vote of the people to $2.85/$1000 which the annexation approval authorizes.
The City of Gresham has a tax rate of $3.61/$1000. They have agreed to cut that tax rate by $1.25/$1000 for three years. If annexation passes, the eventual costs for municipal services could eventually go from $3.16/$1000 to $6.46/$1000.
TAXPAYERS BENEFITS?
Gresham voters need to consider what is best for the taxpayers of the City of Gresham. Will our insurance rating improve with annexation? No, it will remain the same. Why pay more for the same level of service?
Remember that we all pay taxes, business owners, homeowners and renters through their rent. Vote for what is best for the citizens of Gresham.
ANNEXATION? VOTE NO!
(This information furnished by Larry Ward)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
Measure No. 26-72 | City of Gresham
ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION
ANNEXATION TO FIRE DISTRICT 10
IS
THE MOST EXPENSIVE ALTERNATIVE
RECORD SETTING INCREASE?
Annexation may authorize the largest increase in property tax rates for local government services in Gresham's 100- year history. We have been unable to find any other instance when the city's taxpayers have voted to authorize an increase of more than the proposed $2.85/$1000 Taxable Assessed Value (TAV) for city services.
EXCESSIVE TAXATION
The 2005-06 general fund budget projected shortfall is between $3 million and $5 million. Full application of the annexation authorized $2.85/$1000 TAV tax rate when coupled with full application of the City's existing authorized tax rate of $3.61/$1000 TAV will produce $15 million. We think that amount is EXCESSIVE.
ANNEXATION IS TOO EXPENSIVE
Annexation by Fire District 10 is the MOST COSTLY alternative of those considered. There are OTHER PROPOSALS which will correct Gresham's general fund problems at a lower cost to taxpayers.
INCREASE TOO GREAT
Annexation authorizes a tax rate increase which is GIGANTIC and PERMANENT. The increase for services now provided by Gresham could increase from $3.61/$1000 TAV to $6.46/$1000 TAV, a 79% increase.
A LEVY: LESS COSTLY, PERIODICALLY REVIEWABLE, AND NO NEW BUREAUCRACY
If you are inclined to want to provide money to solve the undetermined shortfall, consider a 5-year local option levy. A levy would produce an amount which more closely approximates the amount of the determined shortfall. Taxpayers can reconsider every 5 years. Taxpayers don't need another bureaucracy.
THIS MEASURE IS CALLED "BAIT AND SWITCH"
Bait: Supporters say annexation increases tax by only 94 cents/$1000 TAV.
Switch: The eventual increase will CERTAINLY be 2 to 3 times more, probably as high as $2.85/$1000 TAV.
The Fine Print: Experience shows that authorization of increased taxes produces expenditures to use the maximum authorized. We suggest: BUYER BEWARE!!!
ANNEXATION: VOTE NO
(This information furnished by Roger T. McDowell, Committee Against the Fire District 10 "Bait and Switch")
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.