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closeAnnexation may be on November ballot
Chris Albert
The Puyallup City Council is moving forward with placing the annexation of the Puyallup Fire Department into Central Pierce Fire and Rescue on the November ballot.
Before discussing and voting on the first reading of the ordinance at the May 19 meeting, Councilmember Kathy Turner recused herself because her husband is a retired Puyallup Firefighter and his pension could be affected by the annexation. She left the room while the remainder of the council deliberated.
Councilmember Rick Hansen said there are still many questions to be answered.
It isn’t clear whether Puyallup residents will pay the same, more or less taxes, he said.
Mayor Don Malloy said it isn’t a simple transfer of funds. To continue to provide the level of service expected more funding will need to be found, whether it’s as part of the city or Central Pierce.
“We can’t continue the way we are going with the current tax structure,” Malloy said. “So it’s not one or the other.”
Hansen said he just wants to know first if there is at least duality in service and is the cost equitable to the service.
Councilmember John Knutsen said there is no choice but to look at other fire service options.
“We are bush league (compared to Central Pierce),” he said.
Not the people, he said, but the equipment and financial capabilities.
“This is a very emotional issue,” Knutsen said. “It’s kind of like when your high school closes. It’s going to be different.”
He doesn’t think the approval will happen as easily as the Sumner annexation into East Pierce Fire and Rescue, but any opportunity the public has to vote on an issue they should have it.
“Ultimately the public will decide if this is in their best interests,” said Councilmember Mike Deal.
Councilmember Tami Brouillet had some reservations about the annexations and said clearer information is still needed.
“I do think it’s going to be an increase in taxes,” she said.
Malloy said many of those details will come to light, but there is still much more exploration that is needed, such as what amount of taxes from the city should be returned to residents if the annexation is approved.
There are still a number of public meetings to take place about the annexation.
The council approved the first reading of the ordinance 6-0, with Turner not voting because she recused herself.
Fire service wasn’t the only thing that is in need of a face lift. Before discussing the annexation, the city council approved moving forward with making the municipal court judge position a full-time elected position.
“We have a huge court load in this city and it is important we have a full-time judge,” Turner said.
The current judge, Stephen Shelton, will continue to fill the position full-time through 2009. Because the state law calls full-time judges to be elected, the position will be filled by an elected judge for 2010 with the term ending in 2013.
“This is Puyallup’s time to have an elected judge,” Knutsen said.
Deal commended Shelton on a great job and hopes he runs for the position when it opens up.
Other council members echoed Deal’s sentiments.
The ordinance also would establish qualifications and salary for the position.
In addition to taking steps at improving fire and court services the city council decided to move council meetings from Monday to Tuesday starting June 3.
The move will hopefully give staff and the council more time to prepare and review the meeting agendas, Malloy said.