Milton voters approve agreement with East Pierce Fire and Rescue

The residents of the City of Milton took the first step toward a formal annexation with East Pierce Fire and Rescue, approving a proposition in the August 17 elections to increase in the city property tax and enter into an operational agreement with East Pierce.

The proposition – favored by 60 percent of the voters – will increase assessed valuation of property by $1.21 per $1,000. In return, East Pierce will provide fire, rescue and advanced emergency medical services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. In addition, ambulance transport will be provided by East Pierce with no out-of-pocket expenses to Milton residents.

Currently, the City of Milton's fire department is staffed by two firefighters from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Volunteer firefighters cover the evenings and weekends.

“While our fire department has served our citizens well, demands for emergency services in Milton have risen more than 40 percent over the past five years,” Milton Fire Chief James Jaques said.

The "Lid Lift” will help provide dedicated funds to contract with East Pierce. This arrangement will serve as an interim measure until the residents of Milton have an opportunity to vote to annex into the East Pierce Fire District.

“A number of options have been explored,” Jaques said. “If we tried to provide the same level of service we will receive from East Pierce, it would cost an estimated $3.5 million, compared to the operations contract that will cost the City of Milton $1.3 million,” Jaques said.

The contract with East Pierce will go into effect January 1, 2011 and could last until the annexation is completed, but no more than five years. An annexation vote could come as early as March, 2011.

“We thank the voters for their trust in us and we promise to provide the excellent service Milton residents deserve,” East Pierce Fire Chief Jerry E. Thorson said.