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Overview of TVF&R’s proposed levy that will appear on the May 2024 Ballot
Background on TVF&R
Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R) provides fire suppression, emergency medical care, technical rescue, water rescue, hazardous material response, fire prevention, and risk reduction services to the cities of Beaverton, Durham, King City, Newberg, North Plains, Rivergrove, Sherwood, Tigard, Tualatin, West Linn, and Wilsonville, as well as unincorporated portions of Washington, Clackamas, Yamhill, and Multnomah counties. Over the past five years, there has been a 23% increase in emergency incidents in TVF&R’s service area.
What is the history behind this proposal?
TVF&R has had operating levies in place since 2000 to supplement its permanent tax rate which was frozen in 1997 due to Ballot Measure 50. Levies have primarily funded first responders. State law requires voter approval of levies, which are limited to a maximum duration of five years.
What does this measure call for?
This measure proposes a five-year operating levy with a rate of $0.69 per $1,000 of assessed value. If the levy passes, collections would begin in July 2025.
What would the levy rate pay for?
If the levy passes, TVF&R will retain 92 existing levy-funded firefighters and paramedics, hire 36 more, and add support personnel who train and equip first responders to provide reliable service amidst rising emergency incidents and wildfire risk. Proceeds will also be used to purchase specialized medical equipment such as cardiac monitors and defibrillators, critical firefighting tools, including thermal imagers that aid in search and rescue and self-contained breathing apparatus worn by firefighters in burning buildings, and vehicles used to fight wildfires, shuttle water, and transport patients.
How much will the levy cost?
For a property assessed at $305,000, about the average in TVF&R’s service area, the cost of the levy would be approximately $210 per year or $17.54 per month. The current levy at the same assessed value of $305,000, is approximately $137.25 per year or $11.43 per month. Assessed value is nearly always less than real market value.
What happens if the levy does not pass?
If the levy does not pass, reductions in staffing and operations will be required, which may impact response times and reliability.
Will property tax bills increase if this measure is approved?
Yes, this measure may cause property taxes to increase by more than three percent. TVF&R intends to maintain the same levy rate for 10 years.
If passed, when would this levy first be collected?
The levy will appear on the November 2025 property tax statement.
Relevance to WEA Members
Business and community leaders have a vested interest in public safety because reliable, professional, and effective emergency services contribute to the stability and livability of a community.
Customer Service: Businesses with poor customer service don’t survive. TVF&R gets this. Our firefighters and staff demonstrate professionalism, performance, and compassion when helping people on their worst day.
The Right Tools for the Job: The levy will pay for essential equipment like medical kits, breathing equipment used by firefighters, and vehicles that support wildfire response.
Focus on the Bottom Line: TVF&R’s Triple-A rating by Moody’s is the best of any fire district in the nation and underscores a stewardship ethic for the use of your tax dollars.
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