I hate taxes. But we are faced with a crisis and a related significant increase in taxes to fund our fire district.

Is a tax increase necessary? After attending several meetings where the current status and future capabilities of the district’s operational entity, Vashon Island Fire & Rescue (VIFR), were discussed, I am convinced it is. Currently VIFR can only provide marginal services in more than one emergency and even those services will decline if the proposed levy is not approved. If approved, the levy will enable VIFR to improve the current level of service and provide for future anticipated needs.

At times, the responsibilities and relationship of the commissioners and VIFR can be confusing, so perhaps the following will help:

We elect five commissioners to the board of King County Fire Protection District #13. The board establishes the policies governing how its operational entity, VIFR, functions, including selecting its chief, who then manages VIFR in accordance with those policies. In addition, the board approves the tax dollars that enable VIFR to meet its guidelines, ensures its policies are carried out and the dollars provided are used properly and effectively. It directs corrective action when problems are identified, anticipates and ensures planning is done for current and future needs and, importantly, quickly informs taxpayers when significant problems could impact them.

The commissioners’ jobs are not easy. It requires forthright and dedicated individuals, considerable time, a substantial knowledge of financial and planning processes and a willingness to keep taxpayers informed, pre-crisis, when significant problems are identified.

We will elect two commissioners this November. Therefore it is critical that we taxpayers take a hard look at the candidates and elect those who are best qualified and will ensure that such a financial crisis does not occur again.

— Joe Ulatoski