Making the pitch: Voters guide statement for Bainbridge Fire Prop. 2

Published 1:44 pm Saturday, February 7, 2015

Bainbridge voters will cast ballots on two proposals from the Bainbridge Island Fire Department during the Feb. 10 Special Election.

Proposition 2 would authorize the Bainbridge Island Fire Department to issue general obligation bonds of no more than $16 million to pay for the rebuilding, remodeling and equipping of the department’s three fire stations and acquiring necessary capital equipment.

If approved, the property tax bill for the owner of a $500,000 home would increase by approximately $80 per year.

Here is the statement for Prop. 2 that appears in the Kitsap County Voters Guide. (No opposition statements against the proposition were submitted to the county Elections Division.)

Argument For the Measure

Vote Yes for Proposition 2

Proposition 2 will enable Bainbridge Island Fire Department to: (1) replace two of BIFD’s aged fire stations; (2) renovate BIFD’s third fire station; (3) acquire critical capital equipment; and (4) upgrade BIFD’s communication and information systems, including key disaster response systems.

BIFD Facilities have reached the end of their useful life

Built in 1959, Station 22 anchors the Island’s south end. Station 21, constructed in 1978, is BIFD’s headquarters station. A 2014 third party facilities assessment determined that Stations 21 and 22 have reached the end of their useful life and that Station 23 has space and building code deficiencies. The assessment identified significant deficiencies, including: failure to meet the department’s space needs; failure to comply with current seismic code provisions for essential facilities; failure to meet applicable standards for fire station design and operation; failure to meet current state regulatory requirements; and failure to meet current energy code requirements. The assessment concluded that it is most cost effective to remove Stations 21 and 22 and replace them with new facilities while renovating Station 23.

We urge you to vote Approve on Proposition 2.

Stations 21 and 22 must be replaced now. They are old and noncompliant.

This proposition will address BIFD’s existing space needs and comply with current requirements. Consequently, BIFD will be able to continue providing a high level of service to the Bainbridge Island community.

Join us in supporting Proposition 2.

Arguments prepared by the Committee For the Measure Chairperson

John De Lanoy; Committee Member Michael Griffin; Committee Member Michael Moyer. Additional information is available at: john_delanoy@yahoo.com.