Our fire district has lost over 22 percent of its annual revenue since 2009 as property values have declined.

This reduction has necessitated major cutbacks in service levels and personnel, longer emergency response times, and 23 departmental vacancies including front line firefighters. Those who remain have taken voluntary cuts in pay and benefits.

Even with these cuts, South King Fire and Rescue continues to offer higher quality fire and emergency services at a lower cost to taxpayers than surrounding communities.

Unfortunately, the economic picture is not going to get better anytime soon and “capital reserves” are just about depleted. Thus, these services are still threatened. In order to maintain these services, please vote yes for SKFR’s maintenance and operations levy in the election on Aug. 7, 2012.

This four-year levy will allow the district to bridge the gap between current funding and the actual cost of operating at an efficient level for our community and our firefighters. This levy only costs the average homeowner of a $200,000 home less than $5 per month, and restores an emergency aid unit to improve response times. Failure will ultimately lead to more cuts in vital services.

Everyone has to vote, and every vote counts. When you get the ballot, fill it out and send it right back. This levy requires a 60 percent super-majority to pass. Please join the 59 percent of our community who already voted in favor of this levy. This is the last chance to provide a stable funding source for the next four years.

SKFR needs our help. Vote yes in support of our community’s safety.

Wayne S. Corey, Des Moines